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f
.'-y- /wv.-. -^. .vji-.' ■
THE
MISCELLANEOUS WORKS
OF THK
REV. MATTHEW HENRY, V.D.M.
CUMTAlNINa
IN ADDITION TO THOSE HERETOFORE PUBLISHED,
NUMEROUS SERMONS,
MOW FIRST PRINTED FROM THE ORIGINAL MSB.
AN APPENDIX,
ox WHAT CHRIST IS MADE TO BELIEVERS. IN FORTY REAL BENEFITS,
■Jk
BY THE REV. PHILIP HENRY,
NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED.
ALSO
A PREFACE AND LIFE OF THE REV. P. HENRY, A.M.
CORRECTED AND ENLAKGED
BY J. B. WILLIAMS, LL.D. F.S.A.
WITH
FUNERAL SERMONS FOR MR. AND MRS. HENRY,
BY THE REV. MATTHEW HENRY. V.D.M.
AND
FUNERAL SERMONS ON MR. MATTHEW HENRY,
BY W. TON6, JOHN REYNOLDS, AND DR. WILLIAMS.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
LONDON :
JOSEPH OGLE ROBINSON, 42, POULTRY.
MDCCCXXXin.
A)/
r
A
CONTENTS.
Preface ....
PAGE
•
1
Prefaces to Life of Mr. Philip Henry
. XV
Life of Mr. Philip Henry
9
Sermons, Tracts, &c.
On the death of Mrs. Katharine Henry
Appendix ....
The pleasantness of a religions life .
Concerning meekness and quietness
Christianity not a sect
Communicant's companion .
Directions for daily communion with God
Discourses aj^inst vice and profaneness : —
L Against Drunkenness. II. Uncleanness.
III. Sabbath-breaking. IV. Profane
swearing
Folly of despising oar own souls
Folly of despising our own ways
Sober-mindedness recommended to the young
Right management of friendly visits
A church in the house. Family religion
Reformation of manners
Popery a spiritual tyranny
Method for prayer . . . .
Essaf on psalmody, with family hymns
England's joys
Eagland's hopes
Work and success of the ministry
On the promises of God
Disputes reviewed . . . .
Faith in Christ inferred from faith in God
Forgiveness of sin . «
Hope and fear balanced
OnflM catechising of youth .
CwmemnratioB of the fire of London
Inquiry iol^ ihe mttan oftebism
164
176
225
268
314
331
428
466
519
538
554
673
685
600
616
629
704
736
745
756
769
774
784
798
813
826
839
I
PAOI
Layman's reasons for communing with dis-
senters ..... 857
Catechism for children . 861
Scripture catechism in the method of the As-
sembly's .... 864
Christ's favour to children . . 929
Memoirs of Mrs. Radford . . 942
Memoirsof Mrs. Hulton 945
Account of Dr. John Tylston . 959
Sermon at Mr. Atkinson's ordination . 967
Exhortation at Mr. Clark*s ordination . 979
Funeral sermon on Mr. Owen 991
Funeral sermon on Dr. Benion 1007
LiFEof Dr. Benion . . 1019
Funeral sermon on Mr. Tallents . 1032
LiFEofMr. Tallents . 1044
Funeral sermon on Mr. Lawrence . 1055
Life of Mr. Lawrence . 1065
Funeral sermon on Mr. Stretton .. 1072
LiFEofMr. Stretton .... 1086
Funeral sermon on Mr. Burgess 1090
Life of Mr. Burgess . . 1102
LiFEof Lieut. lUidge . . 1106
Separation without rebellion 1132
A Treatise on Baptism 1145
Preface to the Life of the Rev. Thomas Beard 1205
Preface to Murrey's Closet Devotions 1206
Six sermons on the worth of the soul . 1209
Sermons and charges . 1236
Funeral sermons .... 1248
Fast sermons .... 1255
Funeral sermon on Mr. Matthew Henry, by .
W. Tong .... 1271
Ditto— by John Reynolds . 1282
Ditto— by Dr. Williams . . , \«!i
860 Appendix
PREFACE.
" The lips of the righteous," said Solomon, " feed many;" and in our times especially is
the assertion verified by the published relics of persons so denominated. In the publications
referred to, as in ample storehouses, hath been laid up for the church most invigorating
food ; and the press, like the blessing upon the widow's stock, continues to multiply and
perpetuate the treasure.
Few individuals have been more distinguished for their endeavours to advance the divine
honour, by such means, than Matthew Henry. His name, because of his productions as an
author, is deservedly great in Israel ; and in tlie gates thereof do his works praise him. His
course on earth terminated long ago, but not until, in a far more exalted sense than
the racers in the Grecian games, he had delivered a torch to survivors — ^a torch, which
guides to heaven ; and which not oidy has remained unextinguished, but still flames with
increased and cheering brilliance.
The favourable reception given to the late edition of our author's Scripture Commentary, in
three octavo volumes,* has induced the enterprising and zealous proprietor of that unique
impression, to send forth, in a size exactly uniform, the ensuing collection of the same ines-
timable man^s Miscellaneous Compositions.
Various editions, some smaller, and some more extended, bearing a similar titie, have
heretofore appeared. But if the folio of 1726, and the quarto of X811, be excepted, not
one has made the least pretension to completeness. Neither of those editions, though
the most perfect of any, is fairly entided to the distinction. The quarto contained the
Sermon at the opening of the Meeting-house in Chester, which was omitted in the folio ;
and the folio preserved the collection of Family Hymns, while the quarto retained only the
Prefatory Essay to that collection. But neither embraced his Treatise on Baptism, nor yet
his Memoirs of Mrs. Radford, Mrs. Hulton, or Dr. Tylston.
All Mr. Henry's publications, (except only the tract on the schism bill,t which cannot be
discovered,) including the Prefaces he wrote to the Life of Thomas Beard, J and Mr. Murrey's
book on Closet Devotion, § will be found in the present undertaking. Many discourses from
original, and hitherto unpublished, manuscripts, are added ; as are also the admirable
aermons, delivered on occasion of his death, by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Wiliams, the Rev.
William Tong, and the Rev. John Reynolds of Shrewsbury. Tliey are all, as I am informed,
accurately corrected, as well as beautifully printed : and elegance is united with cheapness.
* Orifioall J printed ia 6 folioi. Bdr. Thoretby of Leeds, of antiquarian celebrity, and Mr. Henry's friend, (see the Life
pfefiied to the Exposition, in oct tit «tipra, vol i. p. 35.) posseswed *' the memorable pen, wherewith the far greatest part of
the volamet, in folio, was writ, the gift of the reverend author, 1712." See Thoresby's Docatus Leodensis, Dr. Whitsker's
edUioo, p. 70. in the CaUlofae of Nstarsl and Arti6cial Rarities, fol. 1816.
f See the USt, ut mpra, p. 108. t The Holy Seed, or the Life of Mr. Tho. Beud.bi 3oi,^OT\ftt»^^'5AAn\\.
i Ctoeet Devotioiia, by Robert Mairwy, duod, 1713,
ii PREFACE.
Had Mr. Henry's life been lengthened^ it was his intention to have published the manu-
script sermons now introduced, and many others. * The series, alas ! in present circumstances
broken, would then liave been perfect
As selections from his usual pulpit preparations, and amounting to scarcely more, in any
instance, than sermon skeletons, the manuscripts now published will, if compared with other
parts of the volume, suffer from the common disadvantages of incompleteness. But while
this circumstance has been felt as a reason against their introduction, the consideration of the
welcome they are sure to meet with, and the prospect, therefore, of their usefulness, has
outweighed that and several other objections. One of those objections — ^brevity — will be to
some persons, no doubt, a recommendation.
It will be observed, by careful readers, how well the manuscripts referred to accord with
Mr. Henry's more finished productions, which it will now be seen, more clearly than ever^
were only a faithful representation of their author. What he appeared to the world to be as
a preacher, he really was among his stated auditors, both at Chester and Hackney.
To the whole is appended a set of discourses by the venerable Philip Henry, his father, on
what Christ is made to believers in forty real benefits. The subjects of this part of the
volume are now first published from the hand- writing of the holy man who penned them ;
and being thus associated with his Life,t are not, it is thought, unsuitably preserved in the
present volume. They have been introduced, indeed, because of their intrinsic excellence ;
for the greater honour of the writer ; and for the sake of a wider circulation than would pro-
bably have been secured if published in a detached or separate form.
Independently of their interesting subjects, their author's special approbation of these
sermons may be noticed, Philip Henry selected them from his accumulated collection of
papers as a legacy to his excellent daugliter Mrs. Savage ; J a fact perpetuated by her-
self in the commencement of the original manuscript, which forms a thick duodecimo
volume.
" What Clirist is made of God to true believers in forty real benefits, preached at his
moeting-housc, at Broad Oak, in Flintshire, by my honoured father, Mr. Henry, thus written
with his o\\Ti dear hand, and left to me, S. S. by his last will, to the end I may learn
Christ, and live Christ, and be eternally happy with him. Amen." §
The treasure thus distinguished, is possessed by my respected fiiend, Mrs. Bunnell, Lower
Terrace, Islington, a descendant of Philip Henry ; and at my request she kindly communis
cated it for publication.
Notwithstanding similar regrets attach to the contents of the Appendix, as to the rest of
the fragments now, for the first time, made public, the same arguments for their admission
preponderated in the one case as in the other ; and they fully demonstrate, though unfinished,
oiu: author's accuracy, when he pronounced his father's preaching to be " very substanjtial,
and elaborate, and greatly to edification." ||
All the sermons included in the Appendix are, as their title imports, concerning Christ—
in various of those endearing relations which he bears towards his church. It is their indi-
vidual and combined object to exalt him ; to maintain his true and proper divinity ; to
illustrate the necessity and infinite nature of his atonement ; and thus to fix every eye upon
his cross. They exhibit likewise, in lively and familiar terms, those sources of satisfaction
to believers, which alone can minister joy as they travel to their everlasting rest
It is the exclusive design of one discourse, the eighth of the series, to prove — that Jesus
Christ is the Lord our Righteousness ; and that it is the duty of believers to call him so. No
• See the Life, nf tupra, p. 111. f See p. 9. % See her Life, duod. 1828. 4Ui. cd.
$ Mrs. Savise. The origiDal MS. | See fott, p. 106.
PR£FAC£. ill
resder, it is to be hoped, will slight the request which is prefixed to the discussion of that all-
interesting topic. ^
Nor should it escape notice, in reference to the same sermons, that irrespectively of the
uncommon importance of the subjects discussed, they are among the very choicest relics of
their author. The date of the first is July 26, 1691, and of the last June 5, 1692. Philip
Henry died June 24, 1696. So that, instead of containing any thing crude, they memorialize
the piety and wisdom of that eminent man, when both were most matured.
Such are some of the claims which the present volume has upon the public attention.
Besides which^ the responsible duties of an editor of all the manuscripts now first printed,
have been most judiciously and faithfully discharged by the Rev. Edward Hickman : a gen-
tleman who numbers no less than three of the ejected worthies in the line of his ancestry ;
and who is himself the fourth in his family of a regular succession of nonconformist divines.
His residence at Denton, in Norfolk, so near the press, rendered this service by him especially
convenient ; and his attainments in the knowledge pecuUar to his sacred profession ; his
ardent attachment to the writings of Mr. Henry ; and his deep admiration of their merits ;
attest his particular fitness for the task, which happily for the public, and the credit of our
author, he imdertook.
In contemplating Mr. Henry's Miscellaneous Works, in themselves a library of theology,
it naturally occurs, how much less known, and consequently less esteemed, they have hitherto
been than his Exposition. So far, indeed, as paramount attention to Holy Scripture is con-
cerned, this is just as it should be; and it is not wished by any effort, either of commendation
or criticism, to weaken the force of that prepossession. The Exposition is, and ever must
be, regarded as the magnum opus of its author. Nor can it be any presumption to predict of
it, as Ovid is reported to have done respecting the far-famed poem of Lucretius, that it will
Uve till the dissolution of all things.
Still it appears somewhat reproachful to the Christian pubUc, ih^jL the Miscellaneous
writings of our author should, in general, be, as a whole, in a comparative state of neglect :
for it will be found on examination, that the same commanding excellences which have
rendered Mr. Henry so celebrated as an expositor, distinguished him as a preacher; and
have imparted to his Sermons, and Treatises, and Tracts, a charm not less fascinating than
that which pervades the Commentary. There is, throughout, the same soundness of
doctrine, the same " strange readiness, and fertility of invention," t the same novelty, the
same felicity of Ulustration, the same pointedness of remark, the same ingenious contrivance
of proverbial sentences, | and the same unvarying attention to usefulness. His zeal for this
latter object, like the fire of the vestal virgins, was always burning.
Whatever prejudices may exist against theological compositions, in the form of Sermons^
that neither accounts satisfactorily for the neglect of Mr. Henry, nor does it annul the fact —
thit one of the most interesting and valuable sections of English divinity, consists entirely
of sermons. And the remark must not be withheld, that considering the age in which Mr.
Hairy lived, he is entitled, as a sermonizer, to special honour. There are few discourses,
ancient or modem, which possess more intrinsic excellences ; or which contain, without the
slightest pietensions to greatness, more various reading, more powerful appeals, more appro-
priate imagery, or a purer spirit of sacredness. Having explained his text, and so explained
it as to fix the attention, he commonly divides his main proposition into parts ; and generally
restricts his observations, sometimes avowedly, as at p. (83.), to the context His explication
of the doctrine deduced fix>m the text discovers occasionally, as do all his applicaUons, powers
of discriminatioii equally uncommon and striking. The subdivisions are so managed as to
* AppcDdiz, p. M. t Fooenl Sermon, by Mr. Reynoldi, p. 1291. t I>>tto, by Dr. Williami, p. 1301.
iv PREFACE.
assist the memory ; as when, for instance, he describes the nature of the sacramental supper
— as a commemorating ordinance ; as a confessing ordinance ; as a communicating ordinance ;
and as a covenanting ordinance.* And although these intended helps appear, frequently, too
jingling and fanciful for correct taste ; yet in Mr. Henry there is such an air of naturalness,
even about theniy as to prevent offence, if not to disarm criticism. When he comes to press
the usesy and urge the motives^ connected with his leading topic, he rises in instructiveness.
Nor does he lose sight of a single fact or circumstance with which the truths he nvishes to
enforce can be associated. He seemingly exhausts the subject without exhausting the
reader. Is there one, among all his discourses, which does not capitally illustrate those
three qualifications of Baxter's " Best Teacher," which are essential to a good sermon ? — a
clear explication of the gospel ; the most convincing and persuading reasonings ; and a
manner at once serious, affectionate, and lively .t If Addison's test be true, that the secret of
fine writing is, for the sentiments to be natural without being obnous, Mr. Henry, in whatever
department of authorship he is considered, is entitled to a far more exalted rank among illus-
trious MTiters than he has yet attained.
In funeral sermons he so excelled as to render it just occasion for regret that he published
so few. They all mingle liveliness with affection in a very remarkable degree. The^ are
grave \iithout being dull ; and seriousness is seen at the widest possible distance from gloom.
One of them expatiates vAih singular beauty upon the duty of Christians giving thanks when
in sorrow ; J the death of " good men and good ministers" is represented in the exquisite
imagery of the Scriptures ; eternal realities are even familiarized ; the instruction of the living
is most powerfully attempted ; and the ability and excitation of the biographical sketches,
which are perfectly free from panegyric, cannot be estimated too highly. His sermon on the
death of Mr. Tallents, is one of the finest specimens of preaching that can be instanced ; the
text selected by his revered friend was peculiarly appropriate, and, united with the occasion,
called forth all Mr. Henry's powers. There are many passages in it of great strength and
beauty ; but his representation of ^' the delights of sense, and all earthly amusements and
entertainments, as only despised crowds through which the soul of a Christian, big with
expectation, presses forward in pursuit of everlasting joys," § is too noble not to be specially
noticed. It is a kindred thought to that of the apostle, when he speaks of pursuing, or
pressing toward the mark for the prize of the believer's high calling, — or should its originality
be questioned, it must be allowed the merit of a happy paraphrase.
Another of those sermons is entitled, though in a different aspect, to more than incidental
attention. It was preached on the death of the Rev. Daniel Biurgess, || after, as the reader
will perceive by the date, Mr. Henry's removal to London, a circumstance here noticed, be-
causer of the supposed influence of that event upon several of its statements. The allusions,
coupled vnih the circumstances of the case, are, indeed, most significant ; and admirably
unfold our author's excellent spirit, his talentis, and masterly adaptation of passing occur-
rences to the purposes of general instruction.
The case is Uiis : Shortly before that discourse was delivered, Mr. Henry was attacked,
through the press, by the able and untiring pen of De Foe — ^not by name, but by inuendo ;
and so graphically as to appear as visible to the mind, as De Foe himself, a few years before,
had been made, by a state advertisement for publishing a political squib. The delineation
upon the face of it was highly honourable to Mr. Henry, but it was so completely neutralized
by sarcasm, and no small portion of scorn, as to be grossly insulting. It touched nvith an
unsparing hand the tenderest point in Mr. Henry's histor}' ; and being published so soon
* P. 206, kc. t Poor Man*i Family Book» p. 303. dood. 1091 . Worki, vol. 19. p. 510. «ct.
/ P. 806, 806. i P. 776. H P. 820.
PREFACE V
ifter his settlement at Hackney, respecting which his Life fully details his distress * was but
00 well adapted for his own annoyance, and the irritation of his beloved, but dissatisfied, flock
It Chester.f
To De Foe*8 uncalled-for representation Mr. Henry opposed no express reply ; still less did
tie again revUe ; he took occasion, however, firom the text of the sermon now under consider-
ition— " We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of
God, and not of us " — ^to expatiate upon the infirmities of Christ's ministers ; to acknowledge
that " they have their faults, their flaws, their blemishes, as earthen vessels have ;" X and to
notice also, how frequently they are " despised and trampled upon," § even " loaded with
reproach and calumny." || And then, applying the whole to himself and his brethren, he
added, and it must have stung such a man as De Foe to the quick — ^^ By keeping the grace
of humility in its strength and exercise," we shall have " this to say to those who think and
speak Ughtly of us, That they cannot have a meaner opinion of us than we have of ourselves,
DOT lay us lower before men, than we lay ourselves every day before God." %
The infusion of this spirit of Christianity through every part of Mr. Henry's works it is»
which constitutes one of their peculiar charms. And — because of it, it cannot be otherwise
than gratifying to those who admire him, either as a man or a writer, that increased attention
is still likely to be given to his remains. The Exposition, indeed, which has been so long a
&Tourite with studious dissenting ministers, and plain unlettered Christians, not to mention
some members of the established church, is now greatly extending its range in the latter
direction ; and that, notwithstanding the increasing circulation of the popular and invaluable
Commentary of the Bev. Ihomas Scott The demand for that excellent work was, at one
lime, such as to threaten our author's exclusion firom one large circle of the community ; but
the paroxysm being over, and reflection having succeeded excitement, Mr. Henry's unequalled
irork has been restored to its rightfiil pre-eminence ; and it has lately been afresh commended
by a zealous clergj-man of the establishment
To prevent, as much as may be, the possibility of disappointment in any reader, who now,
&r the first time, may resolve upon the study of all our author's writings — the Exposition
ami those which are Miscellaneous — it may not be amiss to observe, how important, as well
as just, it will be, to make proper allowance for the difierence of the ground-work in the two
classes of the publications as so distinguished ; and to keep especially in constant recollec-
tion, the aids to thought which are inseparable firom an exclusive consideration of the divine
testimony : otherwise a comparison to the disadvantage of the latter class of authorship may
easily, and even unintentionally, be formed. Witliout a caution so necessary, even in the
absence of any thing else, our author's Exposition, like the Contemplations of Bishop Hall
will be very apt to disparage his other productions ; a consequence the more to be deprecatea
because the Miscellaneous Writings, as is the case with tlic Sermons of the revered prelate
just mentioned, actually evince quite as extraordinary faculties, both of ingenuity and
instnictiveness, as the Commentary ; though less obviously, because the opportunity for pre-
senting uncommon remarks is less frequent, and because the range for observation is
necessarily extended. The style of Mr. Henry, however, on every subject, as is the style of
the good Bishop of Norwich, is enriched by Scriptural allusions; many of them surprising,
and even delighting the reader, not less than some of those incidents, drawn from tlie same
pure fountain, with which Milton adorned the sublimest of all poems.
The habit of sprightly and apt allusion to Scripture facts, and the use of Scripture language,
irhich Mr. Henry diligently cultivated, has not only enriched, but xmspeakably enlivened
* Uk, ui jwpr«, p. 46» Ice. t See De Foe's PieseDtSute of the Partiei id Great Briuio, p 307—309. oct. 1712.
tP.825. JP.826. II lb. ^Y«».
vi PREFACE.
the ensuing Miscellanies ; and frequently more instruction is conveyed by the manner in
which he has seized the hints scattered up and down in the sacred volume, than by the
lengthened and elaborated topical discussions of many celebrated writers. And — his applu
cation of such references b incomparable. In this poudt of view the exordiums to his sermons
deserve especial regard. They are fine instances of the advantageous illustration of one
scripture by another; while, as specimens of the beneficial observance of biblical phraseology,
they are unrivalled. An attempt at citation would involve considerable extracts firom most
of the sermons in the volume.
In the management of texts, as well as their illustration, every reader conversant with what
are called the old divines, will perceive in Mr. Henry a vast improvement upon the canons
of most preceding theologians. It is true his style, like that of the majority of the admirable
persons referred to, was oftentimes too quaint, and too antithetical; but even in those
respects, great advances are discoverable towards the happier modes of division and ex-
pression, which are now in use. Mr. Henry is both less strained and less excessive ; as
may be seen in the exordium to the ^' Pleasantness of a Religious Life,'* where, perhaps, he
has put forth his antithetical prowess to the uttermost.
From another fashion of his predecessors and contemDoraries — the firinging of the margm,
** with variety of choice reading" — Mr. Henry, except in the "Treatise on Meekness," and the
sermon entitled " Christianity no Sect," has still further departed. Not that he was unequal
to the task ; for his reading was extensive, and various, and well managed ; and in the com-
positions thus mentioned, he has shown the ease with which he could have vied with eveo
the most erudite of his brethren in citations firom antiquity. But ever after those two discourses
were published, wiser in this respect than many of the ancients, he deemed it sufficient to
state the results^ rather than the sources, of his thoughts. And so completely, firom that time,
were the ideas he collected firom others moulded and fashioned in his own mind, as to render
it almost as difficult to trace them as it would be to detect the fiowers and blossoms from
whence has been extracted a mass of honev.
Socrates has directed mankind to limit their studies to things of real utility. And Mr.
Henry, in his official capacity especially, diligently acted upon this counsel. Therefore it
was, that in drawing the portraiture of a good minister, he declared he should do it " by his
interest and fidelity, not by his learning, or the arts and languages" of which he was
master.* And therefore it was, that instead, on the one hand, of hunting after novelties in-
stead of the gospel ; or, on the other, of borrowing largely from celebrated philosophers, and
admired, but profane, classics, either to adorn his compositions, or display his learning ; he
bestowed all his energies to increase men's acquaintance with the Scriptures; to make, by
the use of the words of truth, the " countenance of truth," as Hooker expressed it, " more
orient." There is not in all his \vritings a single attempt to resolve any one of the absurd
inquiries which are so common on the lips of mere speculators and trificrs. Like the apostle
Paul, whom he admired more than all mere mortals, and whom he has signalized as " the
most active, zealous servant that ever our Master had," t he daily studied to know nothing
" save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." His preaching, as was the case with his beloved
friend Mr. Samuel Lawrence, tended " to bring people to Christ and heaven ; to heaven as
their end, and to Christ as their way." J This the reader may see beautifully illustrated at
the close of the sermon entitled, " Faith in Christ inferred firom Faith in God." ^
Far from contenting himself with mere illustrations in geography, or natural history, or the
" fine-spun cobwebs of school notions," or maxims of heathen ethics, Mr. Henry's whole
soul was absorbed in a mighty effort to unfold the meaning of God's word ; to convince
• P. 739. t P. 734. t P. 803. $ P. 796, 797.
PREFACE. vii
mankind of sin; to induce reflection; to exhibit the riches of salvation; and to guard
against neglecting it. Instead of glancing, now and then, at the essential parts of the
Christian system, as if at a spectre; instead of treating the doctrines of the cross >vith reserve
and hesitation, as if afraid they should do harm ; he evidently gloried in them, and delighted,
upon all occasions, to give to them the greatest prominence. This spirit leavens the whole
of his writings ; and such is his regard to the necessity of divine influence, and such the
earnestness of his solicitude that all might be savedy that we seem carried back to the minis-
trations of the apostles themselves ; the energies of the soul are called into continual
exercise ; and holy cheerfulness is promoted. Mr. Henry, indeed, was a happy Christian,
and aU his publications breathe the air of heaven. There is impressed upon them a calm-
ness, a vivacity, a heart,* so strongly indicative of "joy and peace in believing," as to form
a running commentary on his own memorable declaration, that — ^*^ a holy, heavenly life, spent
in the service of God, and communion with him, is the most pleasant and comfortable life
any man can live in the world ;"t or on that other striking assertion — " I would not
exchange the pleasure of converse with the Scriptures, and divine things, for all the delights
of the sons and daughters of men, and the peculiar treasures of kings and princes.'' X
It was this settled persuasion, combined with zeal that others might enjoy the same bless-
edness, which so urged him onward in his style of writing, as, oftentimes, to give an idea of
almost breathless haste ; an anxiety for the reader's good, which never seems to have allowed
him to stop till all his emotions had found utterance. The reader must be struck with this
m his Recommendation of Sdber-mindedness to the Young ; § in his Improvement of the
Death of Mr. Tallents ; || and, indeed, in all his published labours, treatises as well as
sermons.
As an author Mr. Henry is what Lord Bacon would pronounce a " full" writer. He takes
many things, after the manner of Holy Scripture, for granted. There are no digressions.
He never aims at making a single sermon a complete body of divinity ; and still less does
he waste one page after another in a dry repetition of truisms, which when pronounced. are,
because of their commonness, as ill calculated to move as to interest the mind. More is
<rfien implied by him than expressed ; and even the most important instructions are fre-
quently conveyed incidentally. ** Gospel ordinances," he remarks, " in which we deal much
im our way to heaven^ are very agreeable to all the children of God." IT And again — " we
must take up our cross, when it lies in our way^ and bear it after Christ" ** The Miscel-
laneous Writings, like the Exposition, are full of such examples. But the most perfect and
continuous of them, occurs in the 4th chai)ter of the Communicant's Companion, under the
title of Helps for Self-examination.
Whatever oinr author's defects may be, they are never important ; nor do his writings
sustain by them more injury than a fine face does by a mole. He never oflcnds by
Ugotxy, nor disgusts by mysticism, nor wearies by feebleness, nor puzzles by abstruseness.
Some persons, notwithstanding even efforts to be intelligible, and efforts to all appearance as
sbenuously put forth as was the strength of certain mariners when rowing towards Tarshish,
are still obscure, and full of oracle-like uncertainty. Mr. Henry, on the contrary, is perfectly
lacid, and clear.
His diction, always expressive, is often felicitous ; and though it makes no pretension
to elegance, is both nervous and forcible. His writings are not, it is true, " embossed,"
like Bishop Taylor's, " with graceful ornaments ;" but ordinary subjects are treated by him
m an extraordinary manner; — an attainment Horace thought so difficult Nothing can
• See p 1279. t P- 283. Life, ut lupra, p. 76. t P. 331.
f p. 554. I P. 1032. % P. 253. •• P. 258.
viii PREFACE.
be more appropriate or instructive than his description of his mother's wisdom — as con-
sisting in being " well versed in Solomon's proverbs." * And — when he delineated " the
plea8m*e of a proud man in his dignities, and the respects paid him, as Herod, in the
acclamations of the crowd," he represents it as but affecting ^^ the fancy;" as ^Wain gloiy;**
as " but the foUy of him that receives the honour, fed by the folly of them that give it :" t—
does he desen-e less regard, or is he less accurate, than Shakspeare himself, in the celel»'ated
catechism of Falstaff ?
In definitions, indeed, our author excelled greatly. His writings abound with them, and
they are uniformly distinguished by the best characteristics ; they are simple, original, and
uncommon. ^' What is heaven," he asks, ^^but holiness in honour? grace crowned with
glory ?":( ^' Meditation is thought engaged, and thought inflamed." § ^^ Our love to God in i
this world is love in motion, in heaven it will be love at rest." ||
His allusions and imagery, in like manner, always please, and always edify ; the former,
because they are generally Scriptural ; the latter, because, like the parables of our Lord, they
are derived firom the most common occurrences. It is their reflection of the images of every-
day life which gives to them such an inexpressible charm, and an impression, also, upon the
memory so difficult to efface. Let his reference to Jacob and Boaz H be well considered in
illustration of one of the classes now under consideration ; and such instances as the follow-
ing of the others ; — *^ Wisdom not only makes the face to shine for the present, but leaves a
good report to succeeding generations, like the after-beams of the sun when he is set, sur-
rounded with which he lies down in honour." ** " The yoke of Christ is more than easy,
it is sweet and gentle ; not only easy as a yoke is to the neck when it is so well fitted as not
to hurt it ; but easy as a pillow is to the head when the head is weary and sleepy." ft
Sometimes he produces a singular and powerful effect by a peculiar and impressive repe-
tition of a word. At first sight, indeed, the phrase may appear capricious ; fi^uently it
really is so ; but if considered, it will, nevertheless, be uniformly found to convey some truth
of special moment, if not to unite with some portion of Scripture worthy of supreme
attention. For instance — the concluding sentence of the exordium to the fimcral sermon
for his mother ; XX ^^ ^^^ paragraph of the same discourse ; §§ and the close of the
first branch of the application to the sermon entitled — Christ's Favour to Children.||||
It is remarkable, that when Mr. Henry is ever so awakening his address is always
attractive. Though filled with zeal, he never indulges in the awful style of some ardent and
talented writers, who, when writing against evil, have so expressed themselves as to make it
questionable whether they did not mistake pride, or maUgnity, or passion, for Christian
charity. Under a better influence Mr. Henry employed — ^plain and Scriptural statements ;
tender and kind expostulations ; the sweetness of condescension and respect ; and no small
portion of that " long suffering" M'hich,in reference to one of its brightest manifestations, was
proclaimed a pattern to subsequent believers — ^for guidance surely, as well as encourage-
ment 1[i[ So that when he makes the reader start, it is not so much by a voice of terror, as
of solemn importimity. If the individuals alluded to (and it seems to have been the case)
were provoked by human offences, like warring elephants by " the blood of grapes and mul-
berries," to Jighty Mr. Henry's heart was melted. The dishonour done to God, and the im-
minence of man's danger, affected Aiwi, as they did David when he grieved because of trans-
gression ; and David's Lord, who, beholding Jerusalem, wept. It is observable, that Mn
Henry advised others to a like course.*** The truth is, he regarded the present world in con-
nexion with a system of mediation ; a system which it is the design of the New Testament
• P. 168. t P. 232. t P- 16*. i P- 365. || P. 267. % P. «57. •• P. 167.
tt P. 231. « P. 167. i§ P. 174. Ill) P. 709. f 1 1 Tim. i. 16. ••• P. 324. 610.
PREFACE. Jx
to unfold ; and of individual ministers^ in proportion as they are actuated by a genuine desire
of usefulness, to exhibit and enforce. Hence, how poignant soever his reproofs, his very
tone and manner discover such love to mankind, as forbid the supposition of even an
inclination to angry violence. In his Discourses against Profaneness, where all his hostility
to sin is consolidated, there is actually nothing to inspire displeasure at his rebukes. Nay,
the very titles of those productions are enough, if prejudice previously existed, to disarm it.
One is a ** Friendly Admonition — ^to Drunkards and Tipplers ;" another a " Word of Ad-
rice — ^to the Wanton and Unclean ;" the next is a " Serious Address — to those who Profane
the Lord^s Day ;** and the last, a " Check — ^to an Ungovemed Tongue."
Mr. Henry knew the terrors of the Lord, but, in imitation of the great apostle of the Gen-
tiles, that knowledge was not used for purposes of intimidation. He persuaded men. He
aimed, by means of motives and arguments, at " alluring" sinners "into the ways of yns-
dom and holiness." * This was a method of treatment to which from childhood he had been
accustomed ; his honoured parents constantly used it towards their children : f and, suc-
eessfiilly pursuing the same course, his own writings display a power of insinuation precisely
similar to that which prophecy and poetry have attributed to the dews and the snow of
heaven. How singularly is this the tendency of the Treatise on the Pleasantness of Reli-
gion. That inestimable little work is introduced by an allusion to a principle of ratiocination
insisted upon by a great name in the Platonic school, Dr. Henry More ; and upon that prin-
ciple Mr. Henry proceeded in a train of holy argumentation, and with a persuasiveness
vhich has never yet been surpassed. Though the treatise in question was the last our author
wrote, it is a sample of all his other pubUcations, and may be fitly recommended to such as
tre unacquainted with his merits as the first to be read.
Let it not be inferred, however, firom any of the foregoing remarks, that, because Mr. Henry
never provoked hostility, he trimmed, either in his writing, or preaching. Instead of with-
holding any part of God's counsel to please men, he paid as Uttle regard to human prejudice,
or human passions, when opposed to the promulgation of truth, as an eagle does to flies. In
the discourse entitled " Christianity no Sect," % he has expressed himself fidly on this point,
as also in one of his ministerial exhortations ; § and the works now collected admirably illus-
trate and confirm those statements. He greatly disapproved of not giving to each ^^ principle
of religion its due weight, and each practice of it its due place and proportion.*' || He would
not have " one precept of the gospel, any more than one table of the law, dashed in pieces."ir
In spite, therefore, of cavillers he uniformly combines — ^privileges with duties; and doc-
trines with obligations. He equally recognises dinne power, and human agency. He
exhibits the grace that bringeth salvation ; but he also maintains, and upon the same un-
erring anthori^, that perdition is the firuit of sin.
He every where uses great plainness of speech ; an acquirement of singular importance,
but which, so fiail is human excellence, may easily degenerate into lowness, if not vulgarity.
Instances of that kind do, it must be confessed, occur occasionally in our author's writings ;
and lest the present remarks should be considered as savouring of inordinate partiality,
and lest, also, any person should follow even Mr. Henry, as an exemplar, injudiciously, one
instance shall be noticed. It occurs in the " Directions how to Spend the Day with God."
— ** We must wait upon God,** says our author, " as the holy angels do, who always be-
liold the face of their Father, as those who are at his beck, and ready to go upon the least
intimation of his will, though but by a wink of his eye, wherever he sends them.*' ** It
cannot, surety, admit of doubt, whether the words thus printed in Italics are a blemish to
the passage or not. They do detract firom its force and dignity. The idea is actually
• P. 2», t P. 171. t P. 321. $ P. 728, 729. B P. 230. % lb. •• P. 443.
X PREFACE.
debased bj the homeliness of the illustration ; and the familiarity of it reminds us of the
lightness, and taste for punning, so assiduously cultivated in the middle ages.
Connected with Mr. Henry's studied plainness of speech, must be noticed his boldness.
Frequently that quality is very striking. His exposure of transubstantiation in the Comma-
nicanf s Companion ; * the seventh direction at the close of his Advice to the Wanton and
Unclean ; f and the whole of the sermons entitled ^' Self Consideration necessary to Self-
Preservation,*' X are deserving of especial remark in this respect Astonishment, indigna-
tion, inquiry, antithesis, and grave announcements, are so mingled, as to press upon the
reader with a force absolutely overwhelming ; comparable only to the fervid eloquence of
Baxter ; and best accounted for upon the. principle Mr. Henry once stated as a reason lot
earnestness — a sight of death at the backs of his hearers. §
For the same reasons, when the exposure of error justified it, an observer will perceive
that Mr. Henry did not conceal even Uis natural facetiousness ; and occasionally it amounted
to direct satire. He is evidently so to be understood when he alludes to the '^ cannon** of the
angry ; || when he mentions dragoons as the ^^ booted apostles '* of the church of Rome ; %
when he adverts to children intended for tradesmen learning Latin and Greek, with a design
to forget it ; ** and when, as if determined, if possible, to cure an inclination to mysticism,
he observes in the Commentary, (to which in this edition of the whole works one allusion may
be allowed,) that none should be puffed up with a conceit of visions and revelations, since
*^ even an ass saw an angeL'^ff
A few remarks must be offered upon our author's compositions in the order in which, from
time to time, they were first published ; because a regard to this will discover, to great ad-
vantage, some of the excellences and characteristics of his spirit
The Tract on Schism, for example, his ^rst publication, instead of emitting controversial
sparks, displays, like all his other works, the most enviable moderation ; a moderation indica-
tive of the sobriety and seriousness of a mind deeply impressed, as his certainly was, with
the presence and the coming of Christ Nothing can be imagined better adapted than that
small pamphlet to draw men off firom the circumstantials to the essentials of religion ; to
destroy a party spirit ; to promote Christian unity and love ; to put bigots to shame ; and to
explode superstitious fancies, as absurdities fraught with inexpressible danger. And the
same excellent temper, it may be remarked in passing, breathes throughout his ^^ Layman^s
Reason for Dissent ;'*^XX ^^ Sermon delivered by him at the Opening of his New Meeting-
house ; §§ and, indeed, all his other works.
A Collection of Family Hymns followed the Tract on Schism. And these discover aa
impidse still more celestial. The avowed design of this labour of love was to '^ help for-
ward" the doing of God's will " on earth, somewhat like as it is done in heaven." ||||
To the Psalms and Hymns succeeded the Life of his venerable and celebrated Father.lflF
A volume in which he presented to the reader's eye a ^' living epistle of Christ ;" just such
an exemplification of the principles of piety as he longed to see imitated. Who that knows
that lovely specimen of biography will not admit, that the peaceaUeness of its subject ; his
patience ; his fireedom firom ambition ; his entire deadness to the world ; and habitual aspira-
tions after the heavenly glory, are, in fact, a picture of what imagination supposes the life of
an angel would be, if one of those supernal beings were permitted to tabernacle for a sea-
son among men!
Whether the reader concurs in these views or not, it will be worth his while to mark caie-
• P. 238. t P. 490. t P. 519. $ Life. p. 63. || P. 286. f P. 625.
•• P. 834. ft V. i. p. 393. Nnmb. 22. « P. 867. §§ P. 856. |||| P. 705, 706.
Wt See p I^S24, of tbe preient volume, where it it printed with the enlargemeDti and illustrations recently added.
PREFACE. XI
fiiDjy as he proceeds, all the remaining tractates, and discourses ; those, I mean, not already
specifically noticed.
The Essay on Meekness, for instance, is eminently characteristic of the author ; and it
shows, that ^ehile the endeavours of many writers seem to have been directed to the scorch-
ing up of every vestige of Christian love ik>m the earth, Mr. Henry sought diligently '^ to
promote, and to charm men" into another temper; a frame of mind "conducive to the com-
fort of human life, the honour of our holy religion, and the welfare and happiness of all
societies, civil and sacred." *
The Communicant's Companion has no rival. All who preceded our author in that
charming work; such as Dyke, (the title of whose "Worthy Communicant" Jeremy
Taylor seems to have adopted,) and Vines, and Doohttle, and Shower, to mention no others,
appear immeasurably below him. The productions of those good men, and they were all
men of renown, had, it is willingly admitted, their individual excellences. Some of them,
eqiecially Mr. Dyke's Manual, (a book much prized by Philip Henry,t) and the Treatise on
die Lord's Supper by Doolittle, (Mr. Henry's tutor,) were exceedingly popular. But the
"Instructions for the right receiving of the Lord's Supper"! evince to the most careless
examiner, such a striking superiority for all the purposes of Christian edification, as to
foibid comparison. When there has been conceded to Dyke and Shower all the judicious-
ness and good sense ; and to Vines all the learning and acuteness ; and to DooUttle all the
eamestness and simplicity; and to Bishop Taylor all the elaboration and splendour, — ^they can
fidily claim ; there will be found in Mr. Henry's Uttle book, such a combination of attractive
properties, in union with a native sweetness of disposition, pecuUarly elicited by his subject,
as fully* to justify the preference which so long, and so wisely, has been given to it by the
religions public.
The Catechisms, again, though in a state of comparative neglect, are treasures of divine
truth. That " in the method of the Assembly's" has been styled by an excellent friend of
mine, who ranks deservedly high as a preacher, and a scholar — ^^ the ablest summary of
divinity iq our language." §
Nor are the other pieces of Mr. Henry, his " Method for Prayer," and his Sermons, (chiefly
delivered, it will be observed, on special occasions,) entitled to less praise. Those of them,
not to repeat such as have been mentioned, which are designated — " Directions for Daily
Commmiion with God ;" the " Right Management of Friendly Visits ;" || on " Family
Religion ;** and " Disputes Reviewed" are deserving of peculiar attention ; and are
sufficient, had their author written nothing else, to have embalmed his name through all
succeeding generations. The admirable nature of the instructions he has there embodied ;
the way in which true religion is exhibited — as a matter of principle, as a continual disci-
]dine of the heart and the life ; and the skilful and impressive manner in which moral duties
lie connected with the Saviour, as their source, their incentive, and their medium, do the
utmost credit to his understanding, his ability, and his zeal.
In one word — ^the direct tendettcy of all his compositions, those which have been specifically
named, and those which have been included under a more general reference, is unmixedly
md uniformly good. It is to render Christianity attractive; to divest it of those exorbitances
and blemishes by which, during the lapse of ages, it has been dishonoured; it is to promote
idf-knowledge ; to draw men to the Redeemer; and to meeten believers for their inheritance.
Thither he was himself perpetually looking. He does not, indeed, any where attempt a
Dunnte descriptioii of what *^ the eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, nor the heart of man
• P. 26B. t P. 14. t P. 331. § MS. Uuet.
I See, ai to thii. Dr. Wilts's Humble Attempt. Works, y, 4. p. 616. oc\.
xii PR£FAC£.
conceived ;'* but he does discover such a familiarity with that better state, as to show ^^ with
what ease/* like his beloved friend James Owen, he could *^ take leave of the world as one well
pleased to think of being no more in it*'* The comforts of grace, which Christians often
experience, made Aim ^* long for heaven ;''t and the removal of other saints excited him,
by faith, hope, and holy devotion, to ^^ follow them to the things above ; on which as
Christians,'* said he, " we are to set our affections.'' J
It would be no irksome task to pursue these observations through all Air. Henry's
writings, individually ; so as not only to mark their chronology, but by suitable excerpts to
make the reader acquainted with their respective merits ; but after what has already ap-
peared, § it seems an indispensable duty to refrain.
The broader lines of our author's literary character and genius having, in the work just
alluded to, been attempted ; with observations, Ukewise, upon his defects and peculiarities ;
it will be well if many of the notices already submitted are not deemed needless ; or at all
events an improper detention of the reader from the volume. Since, however, this Preface
is perfectly gratuitous, originating in personal conviction, and contributed with a view to
the obtaining from the public, if possible, renewed attention to the valuable remains thus
introduced, the service, it is hoped, will be readily borne with. And if what is commend-
able and attractive in our author, should appear to have been principally dwelt upon, let it
be remembered how much more pleasant it is to dilate upon excellences than imperfections ;
upon that which is worthy of regard and imitation, than of censure and aversion. Nor must
the remark be withheld, that Mr. Henry's defects, as critically studied, will be found to be
not only, what Dryden has so well stated of some errors, ^^ like stains flowing upon the sur-
face," but so trivial^ as — ^in comparison of positive and numberless beauties — to be umworUiy
of notice. His constant endeavour aft;er perspicuity more than atones for some ^^ poornesses
of expression ;" and the " infusions of sentiment," and " felicities of fancy," which every
where abound, for inattention to critical exactness and laboured poUsh. Mr. Henry has fur-
nished other emplojrment than thinking upon words.
J. BicKERTON Williams.
The Creteenty Skrewthury
December 21, 1829.
• P. 746. t P. 412 t P. 757. § See the Life, vol. 1. p. 101, he.
THE LIFE
OF THE
REV. PHILIP HENRY, A. M
WITH
FUNERAL SERMONS FOR MR. AND MRS. HENRY.
BY THK
REV. MATTHEW HENRY, V. D. M.
Magnum et memorabile nomen. V i b o i l.
An exainp1e,-in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in &ith, in purity. St. Paui.
CORRECTED AND ENLARGED,
BY J. B. WILLIAMS. F. S. A,
PREFACE
TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
In pr^enting to the poblic a new edition of the
life of that *' wiacy goody and truly wonderful man,
Mr. Philip Henry/'* the editor cannot forbear to
state, that early and established prepossessions have
powerfully concurred in its production.
The published work has been long distinguished
by special approbation. Sir James Stonhouse
designated it his '* favourite piece of biography.''t
Dr. Doddridge *' often spoke of it as affording him
much instruction and encouragement.''| By another
writer it is represented, as " one of the most in-
stnictiTe and interesting pieces of religious bio-
graphy ever written."^ Mr. Chalmers pointedly
notices '* the piety. Christian moderation, and good
sense, which pervade the whole."|| And, by a late
revered friend. Dr. Edward Williams, it is ap-
propriately characterized, '* a beautiful delineation
of primitive Christianity, and the power of godli-
ness, where social religion and personal holiness are
<bawn to the life, and eminently manifested ; where,
in a word, the doctrine of the life of God in the soul
of man, derives a striking proof, and a venerable
«anction."f
Judicious friends have repeatedly suggested to
the writer, that existing manuscripts might be so
• Life of the R«T. T. RoMwdl, p. 30. oct 1718.
t Lefttan hmn Hie Rev. Job Oritoo, tnd Uw Rer. Sir Jtme* Stoa.
k«K, But. M. D. to tbe lUv. TboouM StcdoHUi, M. A. Vicar of St.
OadX Shwwbary, od. VtfA, ?oL S. p. 300 ; aod aee alto, rol. 1. p.
171,1
selected, and incorporated with the work, as still to
increase the estimation of this edifying volume, and
have urged him to undertake the service. The
materials in his possession, and within his reach,
frequently disposed him to comply. Of late, vari-
ous occurrences have served to engage his atten-
tion to it more fixedly, and the supply of numerous
relics afforded a stimulus to the undertaking.
The whole seemed to form a deposit so favourable
to the object, that, if attendant difficulties were not
insurmountable, the obligation to publish was ren-
dered imperative.
Indeed, had the task been declined, might not the
editor have incurred an imputation of selfishness,
for improperly hoarding treasure so calculated for
general usefulness? These and other considera-
tions determined him to commence the work, and
to proceed with it as quickly as constant profes-
sional engagements would allow.
In the ** Entire Collection of Mr. Matthew
Henry's Writings,"** the Life of his Father was
inserted.
With this exception, the editor is not aware of
any genuine edition, since the third, which was
published in 1712 ; improved by the author's final
t Uk, byOrtao, p- ^^ •^ ''"*'
h 2
I Eclectic lUview, N. S. vol. 7. p. 273.
I Gen. Biof. Diet. vol. 17. p. 361. by Alexander Chalmers, F. S. A.
IF Preftce to Morrice's Social Religion Exemplified, p. xv. ed.
1786.
•• In aeveo volame«, 4to, 1811. edited \x% tbft R«ii. G«w^V»x4tx^
and ^ Rev. Joaeph Hagbes, A. H.
XVI
RREFACE TO THE UFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
corrections,* and the addition of a sermon, preach-
ed by himself, on the death of his honoured mother.
A new and valuable, but abridged, republication
appeared in 1765, under the superintendence of the
Rev. Job Orion. The copy which he used on that
occasion,t with the alterations in his own hand,
being in the possession of Mr. Stedman, through his
kindness an opportunity was afforded to the present
editor, of noticing the great extent of the variations.
It was dedicated, — " To the Descendants and other
Relations of Mr. Philip Henry ;" and in the opinion
there expressed roost readers will concur. '' I
esteem it," says Mr. Orton, " one of the chief ex-
cellences of this book, that it is, as the author hints
in his Preface, the history of a person who roani-
fested such an eminence of piety, prudence, humili-
ty, zeal, and moderation, as would have adorned
the highest station, and is scarcely to be equalled.
He is, therefore, a suitable and bright example to
persons of every rank, as well as an admirable
model for the ministers of the gospel." t
Of the second edition, § of the original work, a
re-impression has lately been given by a dignitary
of the established church, || Dr. Wordsworth ; who,
in his Preface, has observed, that '* if he could any
where have found nonconformity united with more
Christian graces than in Philip Henry," the ex-
ample should have obtained its station in the work.
Various other editions, both Scotch and English,
more or less inaccurate, might be enumerated, but
the supply can furnish no reason for withholding
one more correct and enlarged.
• 1711.13, January 23. I began to read orer my fiither'i Lifcp, to
correct it for the preaa. Rev. Matthew Henry'a Diary, Orig. MS.
t The firat edition, 1696.
t Dedication, pp. iv. v. See Mr. Griffin'a Sermon on " The Decline
of Religion,** oct 1813. p. 68. Mr. Henry*a Life ia there urgently
recommended to roiniatera.
\ Printed in 1699.
R See Eccleaiaatical Biography ; or Lirea of Eminent Men connected
with the Uiatory of Religion in England, by Chriatopher Wordaworth,
M. A. Dean and Rector of Booking, (now D. D. and Maater of Trinity
College, Cambridge,) in 6 Tola. oct. 1810.
IT Id the poawaaion of Mr. Witton.
The following notice of the undertaking, in a letter to the Re?. F.
Tallenta, ahowa the author'a anxioua deaire of accuracy : —
** Clieater, Norember 81, 1696.
*' If thia find you, aa I truat it will, aomewliat rerived, let it alao
acquaint you that 1 am orer-persuaded royaelf to put together what
nMteriala we have of my dear &ther*a life, wherein I ahall, aa well aa I
can, puraue the directiona you gave me ; when it ia done, (and it ia not
yet begun,) I afaall aubroit it to your cenaure, and deaire you to put a
abort prefoce liefore it. I purpoae, in a chapter by itaelf, to give aome
very abort accounta of hia frienda and brethren in the miniatry, that
went to heaven before him, having materiala for it out of hia own
A minute detail of the sources whence the new
materials have been derived has been deemed un-
necessary. Nor has it been thought expedient to
distinguish, in every instance, the particular nature
of the manuscript resorted to.
The diary, in compliance with well-established
custom, is uniformly pointed out. A few but im-
material alterations have been made ; such as occa-
sional abridgments and transpositions, and the
completion of here and there 'a sentence. Some-
times obsolete words or phrases have been changed
or expunged.
In general, — " to prevent any repellent effect, it
was thought advisable to adopt the modem ortho-
graphy." In two instances, the one a letter from
Lady Puleston, the other from Mrs. Henry, the
original spelling has been retained.
Being favoured with nearly the whole of the Life,
in Mr. Matthew Henry's hand-writing, IF the editor
has, by collating, been enabled to make such com-
parisons and additions as to insure uniform accu-
racy.
As to the general plan, much difficulty was felt ;
but to have made alterations, or to have done other-
wise than reprint, would have been to destroy the
charm which will ever attend the volume, as a me-
morial of strict fidelity and filial affection ; as dis-
tinguished also by an enviable simplicity, and a
ndivSte ** of expression, in perfect unison with the
subject.
Objections may arise to such large additions to
the original volume, and it may be feared that the
diary ; only I do not remember that I met with any thing there <
cerniog Mr. Hilderaham of Felton, who yet I know waa hia great friend.
When you are at leisure, 1 rtult be glad to have from you two or three
linea concerning him, particularly hu age, and the time of hia death;
and whether he ordered this to be hia epitaph, (aa 1 think I have heard,)
— ' Here lyes S. H. Minister of Welsh Felton,* till Auguat 34, 1668.*'
Matthew Henry. Orig. MS. BriUsh Muaeum, fol. No. 4375. Pint. 111.
E. Bibl. Birch.
•« It was not till after tlie above paragraph waa written, that tha
(ditor noticed, in the History of Disaentera, by Meaara. Bogue and
Bennett, vol. 3. p. 395. a like atatement The Rev. Maater of Trinity
College has adopted a different phraseology. Ne aaya of the work ia
question,—" It abounda aomewhat too largely in certain quaintoeana
of expresaion introduced into religioua aul^ecta, and affiKted by tha
puritanical divines.*' Eccl. Biog v. 6. p. 109, ul aupro. If it ba bare
intended to insinuate, that quaintncaa of expression waa peeuiiar to the
puritana, a query at once preaents itaelf aa to Biabopa Latimer, and
Andrews, and Fell, the poet Herbert, and other eminent epiacopaliana.
See potf, p. 314.
Were lAey puritanical divines? And waa Sir Edward Coke of the
same fraternity ? Mr. Justice Blackstone saya, " The great oracle waa
fiol a lUtU infected vUh quaimtnese.'^ Comment v. 1. Introd. 1 3. p.
71. l^h ed. The truth is, that, in thoae timea, to ad<^t a remark
PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP UENKY.
xvu
editor, tfaroagh impartiality, or for other reasons,
has been led to introdace passages too unimport-
ant for publicity. He hopes, howerer, to stand
acquitted, at all events, by those who regard his
end; and that, on perusal, the book will display
somewhat of watchful caution for the avoidance of
such an error. He does not expect, indeed, that
mil will approve either the plan adopted or the
selections furnished. It would be difficult, perhaps
impossible, to arrange, or extract from, a mass of
theological effusions, like Mr. Henry's, so as to
give universal satisfaction. Nothing is made pub-
lic, it is hoped, which can justly be deemed offen-
sive to a discriminating judgment, inconsistent
with a due regard * to the venerated writer, or pre-
judicial to the interests of that charity for which he
was so deservedly famed.
To suppress what appeared fitted more fully to
develop Mr. Henry's character, was deemed im-
proper. And more especially so, as it was con-
sidered, that to give prominence to his sentiments
on a variety of topics, would render more exemplary
and more instructive his moderation and candour;
virtues which, drawn into exercise by difference of
judgment, impart gpracefulness to the determin-
ations of a well-regulated mind, give weight to
argnnacnt, and attraction to Christianity.
Excerpts of a nature so devout and so practical
as those ordinarily introduced, appear, it is thought,
with advantage in connexion with the events of
their writer^s life. They illustrate and enforce each
other. Letters, particularly when fraught with
evangelic sentiment, and adapted for ^ew^a/ utility,
are usually much esteemed, and for biographical
purposes are invaluable.
Epi«lol« vitun ipMiD horoinb repneaentant. — ERASMUS.
Letters, tlierefore, constitute a large proportion
of the additions. For the sake of more convenient
arrangement, these, vrith some other enlargements,
have been interwoven with the original text, but, for
easier distinction, are separated by brackets.
Many of the papers, thus exhibited, being scat-
tered when the Life was originally written, were
probably unknown to Mr. Henry's biographer.
Various causes,t too, which might at that time
have rendered omissions prudent, have now ceased
to exist. We are happily removed to a distance
from the irritations peculiar to that afflicted era ; —
a kindly feeling of brotherly love, between Chris-
tians of different parties, has gradually been dif-
fused ; — the rights of conscience are more widely
recognised, and better understood, and an agree-
ment to differ is acknowledged practically, as well
as in theory, to suit human affairs better than the
prejudices of ignorance, the penalties of legis-
lative enactments, or the dogmas of assumed infal-
libility.
The work, abounding with allusions, required
references to other compositions, and, frequently,
extracts from them. The reader will perceive, that
an effort has been made to supply illustrations,
wherever practicable, from manuscripts hitherto
unpublished ; and that brevity has been studied
throughout.
A Scriptural phraseology characterizes the papers
of Mr. Henry, and the Life now reprinted. In
some instances only, has it been thought advis-
able distinctly to solicit the reader's attention to
such borrowed passages. To have done so in all
cases was unnecessary, and would have been
tedious.
There being only one note to the original work,
(see p. 18.) it was thought needless to apply any
mark of distinction to the annotations now intro-
duced.
The references, occurring in the first edition of
the Funeral Sermon for Mrs. Henry, were placed
in the margin. The same course, for distinctness
sake, is followed on the present occasion.
If a desire of accuracy have occasionally led to
an exactness apparently trivial, the error may be
classed among the few which are harmless, if not
beneficial.
Most of the authors quoted were contemporary
with Mr. Henry, or immediately precedent. Some
are of a date still more ancient. This arose partly
from necessity, and in part from choice. The editor.
■irie bf Mr. Niefaols in bw prefiKe to the improred edition of Fuller'*
WortlMiorEaglaod,— " QoAiBtiieawas tlie characteriatic of almost
evcrj vriter of Mnincncc.**
• See Mr. Scotl*» CoroiiienUry, Deut xxx\7. Practical ObservatioiM.
i 8e« pott, p. SS3.
XYlll
PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
while he admires modern elegaDcy, believes, with
an antiquated poet, that, —
" Out of the olde feldet, as men nietb,
Cometh all tliii oewe corn, fro yere to yere ;
And oot of olde bookes, in good fiiieth,
Oonieth all thu newe science that men lere.***
He is convinced also, that many of the writings
thus noticed, notwithstanding their style, and in-
dependently of the clue they furnish to Mr. Henry's
studies, are of peculiar value. f This, he acknow-
ledges, has sometimes influenced him in these
citations, — ^that the reader may be induced to study
such compositions more at large. They commonly
receive, it is admitted, a quaint designation, —
"Old Dyuynes,"t — as if, by inculcating a cere-
monious reverence, to obstruct intimacy ; — but
familiarity, instead of producing its ordinar}' elTects,
will excite attachment, and perpetuate esteem.^
Inquire of the former age, and prepare thyself to the
search of their fathers. For we are but of yesterday,
and hnow nothing, because our days upon earth are a
shadow.
It is not, however, intended that the passages
so given, or referred to, should be regarded as a
selection, either complete, or preclusive. Quota-
tions from the Fathers, not to mention almost
innumerable later theologians, and others, unno-
ticed in the following pages, would have furnished
notes, perhaps, equally apt and useful. But the
design was to avoid diffusiveness, and, by a refer-
ence to publications of comparatively easy access,
to meet general convenience. The diligent admirer
of antiquity || will easily trace, in the more remote
'' lights of the church," not a few of the sentiments
and phrases here used, together with many illus-
trative parallels, which, for the reasons before
mentioned, have been omitted.
Nor do the opinions, thus expressed, result from
* Learn. Chancer*s Parliament of Birds, rerie 33.
■f See a Practical View of the Prevaihng Religious Syntem of Pro-
fessed Christians, by William Wilberfbrce, Ettq. M. P. chap. vi. pp.
379. 383. Oct. 1707.
% The I>ore of Holy Scripture, 1 540. oct. Ames and Herbert^s
Typographical Antiquities, by the Rev. T. F. Dibdin, vol. 3 p. 410.
I When a young man, a little too forward, had, in presence of many,
said, that he could conceive no reason, in the reading of the old au.
thors, why men should so greatly admire Uiero ;— " No marvel, in-
deed, (quoth Master Fox,) for, if you could conceive the reason, you
would then admire them yourself.** Life of Fox, prefixed to the Mar.
tjrrologjr, vol I. to), XOM,
such love to the olden time as is implied in the
perverse doting^ of indiscriminate veneration ; f
nor yet in '' a critical desire," as Dr. Johnson
expresses it, ''to find the faults of the modems,
and the beauties of the ancients." Non vetera
extollimus recentium incuriosi. Such opinions can-
not, therefore, be justly considered as disparaging
to later compositions, particularly those, and they
are various, whose prominent features display
'' profound scholarship, disciplined and vigorous
reason, masculine eloquence, and genius-breathing
enchantment"** Productions so exquisitely or-
nate render comparisons invidious, and would
aggravate detraction. The editor, because of their
illustrious eminency, and without seeking to lessen
their deserved influence, aims only to dissuade
those who ** seek and intermeddle with wisdom,"
from such a regard, as, from its exclusiveness,
might prove injurious. Not only will the neglect
of much ** fruitful erudition " be thus effectually
prevented, but, in the assiduous use of means so
excellent, a kindly impulse will be given to the
whole process of edification ; —
" For, though old wrytynges apere to be rude ;
Yet, notwithstandynge, they do include
The py the of a matter most fructuously." tf
It furnishes an opportunity for congratulation,
too congenial to be omitted, that, at a time when
the capabilities of the English tongue, for elegant
combination, have been so signally manifested, and
so many invaluable productions have raised our
national literature to an unprecedented elevation,
sufficient encouragement should have been afforded
to the enterprising spirit of typography, not only to
reprint the remains of many early Reformers, and
other Protestant Divines, but to give to the volumi-
nous labours of Archbishop Leighton ; Bishops Hall,
Hopkins, Taylor, and Beveridge ; Doctors Light-
!! Blessed be God, for the monuments of antiquity, and the primitive
church. Matthew Henry. Orig. MS.
*T See Caryl on Job, v. i. p. 705. fol. 1676. And, Baxter*s Practical
Workx, vol. V. p. 566. oct ed.
** Eany on Popular Ignorance, by John Foster, p. 8D. 2d edit See
Dr. Parr's Spital Sermon, pp. 63, 64. 4to, 1801. Sonoe curious remarks
upon •• bokes," and their *' stile,** occur in " Nicholas Udall*s Prefcoe
to the Translation of the Paraphrase of Erasmus upon Luke," the three
last pages, fol. 1548.
H Ames*s Typographical Antiquities, by Herbert, voL 3. p. 1756.
PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
XIX
oot, Barrow, Owen, Watts, and Doddridge ; John
ilowe, Chamock, Baxter, Matthew Henry, and
President Edwards, permanent external respecta-
bility. The omen is fayoarable ; and the impulse,
it }B hoped, will not become extinct, nor even
feeble.
Bat while so mach in the sig^s of the times is
calculated to cheer, by a conviction of increasing
intelligence and liberality, there sdll remains
enough to render too apposite, in a spirit of mild
seooomiodation, the caustic remark of Milton ; —
*' Things of highest praise and imitation, under a
right name, are mis-called, to make them infamous
tnd hateful." * To those who follow the things
ftkiek mmke for peaety it cannot be otherwise than
grievous that such an attestation is not exclusively
applicable to those times of perilous disquietude
wbich prompted the complaint. And still more so,
tbt of late especially, and among the literati too,
tke originating cause of that complaint should have
fomished new evidence of undecaying vigour.
I^re needs, but a slight acquaintance with the re-
>oblic of letters, and particularly the history and
(iography of the last thirty years, both original and
dited, to notice many confirmatory instances ; in-
tances which would have warranted, in the follow-
ng annotations, a system widely different from that
mrsued. How much might be adduced, — to hold
M) inquest upon moti^res, — which is adapted to pro-
ince party-prejudice, and antichristian temper!
Has not the power of truth, by zeal for preferences,
iBcrely secular or ritual, been lamentably obstructed,
and the censures of deists thus disgracefully coun-
tenanced ? Has not godliness itself been so misre-
presented and caricatured, iby attacks upon puri-
tans, nonconformists, and Calvinists, and so identi-
fied with alleged imbecility or extravagance, as to
inspire, in not a few caries, contempt and aversion ?
How irrational, to say the least, is such a course !
As if the exhortations to love and good-will, which
abound in the sacred oracles, and which are en-
forced by tremendous sanctions, were to be mea-
lured by human fancy ; as if they respected only
tbose whose thoughts run harmoniously about
* Tbc AMwer to Eikoo Builike. Miltoo*s Prose Works, toI. 3. p.
%.oct
f Mr. Doracj^e Acroont of the Her. Joarph Caryl. DWiDe Cod.
iH&phtkRM, p. M4, dnod. lOM.
X la Middlcton** Bioc. Em. toI. hr. p. ?& oct. 1786.
trifles, who congregate as one party, or rally under
one visible standard ! Not more incongruous would
be the assertion, — that the cause of truth is best
promoted by ignorance and error ; or, that the en-
mity against God, (including his image, as impress-
ed upon the saints,) which constitutes a carnal
mind, would be most effectually counteracted by
the infusions of hatred, the " moroseness of bigotry,"
and the workings of bitter disaffection.
For the better avoidance of evils, like these re-
ferred to, the original design of the Life, the ele-
vated spirit of Catholicism which it breathes, and
the sweet fragrancy f which is uniformly associated
with Mr. Henry's name, have been kept habitually
in view.
The animadversions on some of Dr. Words-
worth's statements will appear to the reader, it is
believed, in nowise inconsistent with this pro-
fession. Siqcerely regretting the existence of
those statements, the writer would have passed
them by, had it been warranted by a conviction
of their accaracyi or been consistent with official
fidelity.
It is hoped that the introduction of the fac-timiles
and portraits will be deemed an improvement. Mrs.
Henry's picture has not before been engraved. The
print conveys the exact expression.
The engraving of Mr. Henry, by White, prefixed
to the early editions of the Life, is a performance
but ill evincing the justness of the character usually
given of that once popular artist. Nor can any
thing better be said of a subsequent attempt by
Trotter. t A comparison of the three engravings,
which are from the same painting,^ will demon-
strate the superiority of the one now published.
The late Mrs. Brett, of West Bromwich, informed
the editor, that Mrs. Savage, her near relation, and
the eldest daughter of Mr. Henry, pronounced the
representation in the painting good, but rather too
sorrowful.
" Hit eye was raeek and gentle ; and a imile
Play'd on lii« lipii ; and in his apeech wan heard
Paternal sweetnen, dii^iityi aud Iove."R
To Nicholas Ashton, of Woolton Hall, in the
) Thus dated, ** Ann. et. SO, Aug 34, 1691." The portrait illontrat.
ing Mr. Ortoo s Abridgment of the Life, fU nqtra, is a memorial of
younger daya.
I Cowper's Task, btwk ii.
PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
coanty of Lancaster, Esq., acknowledgments are
due, and are thus publicly offered, for the contribu-
tion of the picture from which Mr. Henry's por-
trait, introduced into this volume, was taken, and
of which it is a faithful resemblance.
For permission to copy the painting of Mrs.
Henry, and also for the communication of the bap-
tismal covenant, from which the/ae-«tmt^ has most
accurately been made, as well as for various useful
manuscripts, thanks are respectfully tendered to
P. H. Witton, Esq., of the Ravenhurst, near Bir-
mingham, a lineal descendant of Mr. Henry, whose
name he bears.
The manuscript diaries used on this occasion, in
addition to that which is possessed by the editor,
were kindly furnished by his much respected
friend, Joseph Lee, Esq., Redbrook, near Broad
Oak ; also, by Miss Bunnell, (now Mrs. Lewis,)
London ; Mrs. Osbom, Worcester ; and, through
the friendly application of the Rev. J. Robertson,
of Stretton-under-Fosse, by Mrs. Bunting, Sprat-
ton. To all of whom the editor begs to express his
grateful sense of their politeness and liberality.
The editor's excellent friend, the Rev. Dr. Raffles,
of Liverpool, is entitled to particular remembrance,
not only for the loan of manuscripts, but also for
much personal trouble.
To the Rev. Thomas Stedman, and Thomas
Weaver, Shrewsbury ; J. Grundy, Leicester ; James
Payne, Ipswich ; J. £. Good, Salisbury ; and John
Pearce, Wrexham ; — also, to Mr. and Mrs. Bunnell,
Islington, London; Mrs. Kenrick, Wynne Hall,
near Wrexham ; Miss Hunt, Exeter ; Joshua Wil-
son, Esq., Highbury Place, Islington, London ;
Joseph Lee, junior, Esq. Redbrook Farm, near
Broad Oak ; Mr. Lewin, Shrewsbury ; Mr. Lewis,
Wrexham ; and Mr. W. Cook, Liverpool ; the
editor is likewise much indebted for the liberal
communication of manuscripts.
Mr. Matthew Henry's sermon on the death of
his father is now first published from an authentic
transcript, obligingly communicated by Mr. Sted-
man.
To the learned and Rev. S. Butler, D. D. Arch-
deacon of Derby ; and also to the Rev. Mr.
• See ante, p. xr.
i See Dr. Doddridge*! Wofk% toL 4. p. 901, Ice. oct. 1802.
Archdeacon Owen, and the Rev. J. B. Blakeway,
the elegant historians of Shrewsbury, the editor's
obligations have been increased, in connexion
with the present undertaking, by frequent in-
formation, as well as by friendly communications,
at all times, from their curious and valuable librap
ries.
Nor, in this reference to the editor's obligations,
can he content himself to omit his esteemed friend,
Mr. Chalmers.* He is entitled to special acknow-
ledgments for repeated attentions, which, bestowed
in the midst of laborious avocations, became
doubly obliging.
Should the engagement result in the con^ction
of but one fatal error, — ^should it promote the
establishment of only one sincere Christian, —
should it assist in estimating the importance, reality,
and necessary effects of primitive piety, — should
it aid in a correct judgment of the principles of the
nonconformists,t and evince that there is no '^ con-
nexion between dissent and fanaticism^' any more
than between Christianity and imposture, — should
it, therefore, tend to bury unjust censures, and dis-
play, with additional clearness, that friendship te
monarchy, loyalty to the king, and attachment to
the English constitution, are perfectly compatible
with separation from an ecclesiastical establish-
ment,— should it, especially, be the means of pro-
moting '' living, powerful religion," which ever
disdains the limits of a party, — the editor will re-
gard apology as misplaced, his object will be hap-
pily attained, and his toil delightfully rewarded;
nor will he regret having devoted to the under-
taking, hours which were redeemed from morning
slumbers, or stolen from the vacancies of leisure.^
The writer cannot dismiss these prefatory re-
marks, without trespassing upon the reader's pa-
tience, by a few hints in refSrence,more particularly,
to the due improvement of biographical composi-
tions. Mr. Henry's character will, thereby, be
somewhat illustrated, his predilection for such
writings § explained, and similar attachments, it
may be, excited. It is in the use of means that
divine influence, so essential to the vigour and very
existence of spiritual life, is to be expected ; and
t See Lord Bacon, oo the Adyuiceinent of LearniDg, p. 10. 4to,
lOOft.
) See the Ltfe» pott, p. 197.
PREFACE TO THE UFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
xxi
M increasing recognition of that inflaence, with
mest desires for its possession, stands in near
ifaity to the proper observation of its effects.
So great and so obvious are the attractions of
liography, when brought efficiently to bear upon
iciional history and individual excellence ; and so
decidedly is the meed of public approbation be-
itoved upon it, that to explain at large, why the
fires of wise and good men ought to be perused
■d esteemed ; or to inquire haw it is that they are,
k fact, daily read with profit and delight, would
h a soperfluous discussion. It will suffice to re-
Mrk, of Christian memoirs generally, with an
appeal for confirmation to the present volume, —
ftttk, by illuminating the judgment, by enriching
te sKmory, by elevating the affections, by demon-
inting that eminent religious acquirements are
Munable, such memorials conduce, in a very
kigh degree, to the best interests of man.* Reg^-
kting the love of incident, and stimulating to
Indable emulation, they are adapted to give to
ftoeghtf al habits a correct tendency, and inquiries,
II the narrative proceeds, instead of being insti-
tiled for the gratification of curiosity, are asso-
cialed with self-observance and self-improvement.f
Wheaee, asks the awakened intellect, this compa-
latiTe indifference (as in the case of Mr. Henry) to
al things earthly, in the midst of their diligent use
•■d happiest enjoyment? Wherefore an ardour in
tbt service of Jehovah so vigorous and unabating ?
By what process has subjection to his appointments,
enlightened, and uniform, and acquiescent,
attained ? Whence can be derived peace so
hsiy, oprightness so inflexible ? Whence springs,
what nourishes, compassion towards transgres-
and affection even for enemies, so tender, and
IS sincere!
To soch queries Christianity alone can furnish a
sttisfactoiy reply. In accordance with the inspired
Intimooy , a life of faith may thus luminously be
• It 40ih ■■ good to md Mid hnr Mch troe, holy, tod mpproTed
talanMk wmmamtutM, oratioiM, epUtlct, and letter*, m do aet forth uoto
■I Ike Uk»d belMTioar of God's dear ■erraota. Biihop Coverdale's
liiiiB, prciaed to bia Letten of the Martyrs ; reprinted in '* The
hlfam of the Eofliih Chorch." vol. 4. p. ix. oct 1800.
♦ See Ifr. Ortoa't PrrfiMW to his Memoirs of Dr. Doddridge, p. riL
tf mi^rm. ** One page of Philip Henry's Life," obeenres an eminent
PMneber of Ow present day, ** makes me Uoah more than all the folios
tf IMS SM liittheVs retrkm ExpoaUioB." The Re?. J. A. Jameiri
demonstrated to be the path of the just, the prin-
ciple of spiritual animation, and all real virtue.
By that sublime grace, — significantly designated the
evidence of things not seen, — it was, that the admir-
ed subject of the ensuing portraiture, beholding
Aim who is invisible, connected all his actions, and
all his thoughts, with eternity and with God.t
The subject thus exhibited, is both directive § and
animating. Mr. Henry's biographer, indeed, has
more than once given to the idea due prominence.
Nor is it too much to affirm, that the volume, un-
folding, with enviable attractiveness, the one thing
needful, and the fruits of early instruction, so dis-
covers the happy consequences of fervent piety
and enlightened decision, as to instruct the inquir-
ing, to cheer the timid, to invigorate the feeble,
and to fill vrith joy the cup of the desponding.
While it illustrates the Christian warfare, and
shows, that high attainments in holiness furnish no
exemption from the ordinary calamities of life, it
inculcates the pleasantness of religion, and teaches
all who tread her paths, instead of encouraging
doubts, or yielding to despondency, to look con-
stantly to the Saviour, as the centre and medium of
revealed mercy, and as nuide of God, to all believers,
wisdom and righteousness, sanctijication and redemp-
tion. Not only vrill the plants of righteousness, un-
der such influence, bud and blossom, as did the rod
of Aaron, but they will bear, in gladdening abun-
dance, those fruits of peace, which, like the leaves
of the tree of life, are intended for the healing of
nations.
The editor feels it unnecessary to indulge in
eulogy upon the illustrious character delineated in
the following pages ; or to point out the light which
they cast over the history of Britain, civil and eccle-
siastical ; nor has he a desire to animadvert upon
the persecuting spirit of the times, — a spirit, which,
notwithstanding its hostile and provoking tenden-
cies, seemed, in the case of Mr. Henry, and of
Addrea at his Brother's Ordination, appended to the Church Member's
Guide, p. 831.
t There is a God. There is a judgment to come. Were these
two firmly believed, what a change would it make ! Philip Henry,
Orig. MS.
) See Mr. Baxter's Remarks, prefixed to the Life of the Rev. Joseph
Alleine, duod. 1678. Introd. p. 4. And, also, Mr. Wilberforce's Prac.
tical View, di. vU. 1 11. pp. 465, 467, «l ntpra.
xxu
PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHIUP HENRT.
many others, to elicit and nerve the sublimest vir-
tues. Yet he cannot forbear to reiterate the remark
of Mr. Jay, — " Who, without sentiments of love
and veneration, can think of Philip Henry V** If
Ennius was justly commended by Cicero, for having
bestowed lofty epithets upon poets, because of their
peculiar gifts, a like course, in the present instance,
would, for similar and more powerful reasons, have
been defensible ; for, undoubtedly, Mr, Henry was
** one of the most pious and excellent men of the
age in which he lived, or any other/' f At the
same time, let it not be inferred, that he constituted
an anomaly in the records of the new creation.
Although he is even *' believed by many, to have
come as near the pattern of the apostles, and the
first ministers of the Christian church, as any that,
to this day, have succeeded them ;" | and although
it deserves acknowledgment, to the glory of God,
that no public blot defaces the accurate delineation
here exhibited, enough of the ** stain of human
frailtie" is visible, to show that he was AtiiiMn, and,
therefore, to prevent '' esteem above that which
behoveth/'§
Connected with, and perhaps in proportion to,
such impressions, the work of praise to God, a duty
always incumbent, will not be overlooked. The
eye of the mind, instead of resting upon the picture,
how beauteous soever, will ascend to the Eternal
Benefactor, II in devout adoration of his mercy, and
the triumphs of his grace. Love to the brethren is
an affection, neither sordid nor imbecile : while
ministering, with obedient assiduity, to the house-
hold of faithf it rises, instinctively, to the ever-
blessed Jehovah ; by whose power the new nature
• is, in every instance, produced, and into whose
image the indispensable transformation is invari-
ably effected. When, therefore, that sacred reno-
vation, which forms the attractive cause of Christian
love, has been perfected^ though by the violence of
death, the expectants of similar dignity, instead of
occasioning, by inferior considerations, a suspen-
sion of the principle, should indtdge in lively gra-
* Mcmoirf of Mra. Savage, Mr. Henry*! eldest daughter. Pre&ce,
p. 1.
f Dr. Rktiarda** Welsh Noncoaformitts* Mem. p. 360.
% The New Spiritual Magazine, 1783, vol. I. p. 63.
) Hooker** Eccl. Pol. Pref. 1 4. fbl. 166S.
titude, and the anticipation of a more endeariii|
friendship. Shall the entrance of the heirs of GW
upon their unfading kingdom, occasion only heavaii§ ^
acclamations ? Shall it excite on earth no delight; ;
inspire no *< hymn of laud, no solemn canticle!'' |
Shall not hope restrain sorrow, and faith exilt i
over the vanquished grave? When Mrs. Heuy
was bereaved of her venerated husband, she ex-
pressed her thankfulness that she had him so long;
and that she had the prospect of being eteiiiany
with him in glory .11
It cannot escape remark, that those associafioot
with eternity, which, by a moral necessity, attend
written lives, gain, in a case like the presotit,
special ascendency: they seize the mind with a
firm grasp, and, if duly cherished, disentangle it
from the world. Having traced the earthly ao-
joumings of the heaven-bound traveller, and wit-
nessed the increasing development of principlef»
as unvarying as they are immortal, every advance
towards the '* final hour'' occasions new and refined
excitements. At length placed, in imagination,
upon the brink of that river which '' has no bridge,"
we gaze upon the pilgrim as he draws nigh to th6
water, and listen to his parting salutation ; ai the
billows rise and swell around him, every thing irre-
levant and unhallowed is absorbed in personal
interest ; the '* reign of stillness'' commences, and
other cares, and other thoughts, save those of future
and interminable existence, are silenced and sup-
pressed.
How singularly, how deeply, interesting** the
communications of an expiring believer ! The at-
tention is arrested, nay, awed, by reflecting, that
the chief result of vigilant observation is then im-
parted,— ^in the immediate prospect of eternity.
Mr. Henry, consciously unable to recapitulate his
history, or to detail his enjoyments, or to dispense,
minutely, his counsels, and in haste to enter upon
the " blessedness of the righteous," gave utterance,
with a rapidity peculiarly striking, to the one main
sentiment of his soul. Follow peace and holiness.
I See ReeTea*t Apologies of Juttin Martyr, fcc. toL S. p. 35. oct
1709 : alao, pott, p. 173.
IT See po9t, p. 120.
•• Sonoe remarks on this subject, with more paKicalar refereoce to
the latest revelations of Jesus, introduce Bishop Heber's Lectures on
the Personality and Office of the Christian Comforter, pp. 1—4.
PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHIUP HENRY.
XXIU
was the instmctiTe exhortation. The acceDts, now
that the spirit has long fled to celestial occupations,
seem to linger apon the fancy ; the last flashings of
the fire ethereal are yet seen through the lengthened
distance, and each word, at all times valaahle,
becomes, hy no violent metamorphosis, a pearl
iBdeed,^-deriying an additional lastre from the
deepened shadowings of the " vale of death,'' the
use of sacceeding generations, and the hope of that
utold felicity, which will consist in their fullest
exemplification, and ever-brightening splendour.
The disregard, or non-improvement, of an event
» momentous as the soul's transition to unknown
regions, involves deplorable indifference, if not
itapidity, comparable only to that of the Egyptian
Bonarcb, or the very auditors of Zechariah : con-
eeining the latter of whom, it is affirmed, to their
perpetual reproach, that they made their hearts as
a ademumt stone. It should always be remembered,
that death, in the case of every human being, is so
inevitably certain, as to render, when the appointed
season shall arrive, every plea, whether for exemp-
tion or postponement, fruitless. No man hath power
in the day of death: there is no discharge in that
war. And an apostle, as if to force onward the
thoughts with an impetuous ardour, urges the
solemn warning, — We must all appear before the
J9ufyment-seat of Christ.
When man's probationary existence, its termi-
nation, and the altered, but endless mode of being
which then commences, are thus contemplated, not
only is biography suitably improved, but the pro-
cfaunation, that — time shall he no longer— once to be
heard from the apocalyptic angel, — will fill the
mind, and chase to a distance, with irresistible
aothority, all terrestrial attractions. Visions of
eternity, succeeding in awful progression, and un-
4efinable grandeur, obliterate those '' characters of
divinity which men set upon absurdities, and
errors;''* sweep away, as with hail, every refuge
•f liesf and exalt the reUgion of the Bible to her
rightful pre-eminence. The glorified Saviour, as a
prevailing intercessor, — as the vanquisher of un-
* See Locke** Eamj eoocerning Human UodenUoding, ch. ill. | 2Al
t Sec the Life, po&t. p- 1S7. The oamet of the aocieot father* should
be feiy preciona with a*» so^ ^^ remains of their live* and labours ;
the frit Rcfimner* in our own land, in otlier lands; the good old
pQritans; tbom bubMm* and Christians who have been eminent in
seen foes, — as still effiecting the work of '' redeem-
ing mediation," is beheld in the bright effulgence of
uncreated divinity, and is invested, as the Lamb
that was slain, with loveliness inexpressibly cap-
tivating. Employed in such meditations, the
Christian participates in the grateful admiration
and vehement aspirings of Stephen, when, full of
the Holy Ghost J he saw Jesus standing on the right
hand of God; and, mingling astonishment with
triumph, uttered the memorable invocation, — Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit !
These views of the subject, while they prevent
our wonder at the multiplicity of Scripture narra-
tives, and account satisfactorily for the interest
Mr. Henry took '' in the lives, actions, and sayings
of eminent men,"t discover also to the reflective
and pious mind their legitimate effect. Nor can it
escape notice, that the chief est of the apostles, when
closing the early records of faith, has consolidated,
in one unexampled address, and as a deduction
from the whole, sentiments the most noble and
sublime : — Seeing we also are compassed about with
so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every
weight, and tlie sin which doth so easily beset us ; and
let us run with patience the race that is set before
ust loohing unto Jesus, the author and finisher of
our faith ; who, for the joy that was set before
him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and
is set down at the right hand of the throne of
God,
Let it never be forgotten, that admiration, how-
ever glowing, bestowed upon the affecting structure
of a passage, like that just cited, can avail, for
practical purposes, cither personal, or in reference
to the community, only as the metaphorical allu-
sions, which it embodies, are duly regarded. But
let that regard be once prevalent ; let the eye be
intently fixed upon high examples, and not upon
those who rank, at best, only as inferiors in the
school of Christ; let the attention be, especially,
directed to the Great Exemplar himself; and effects,
fruitful and all-pervading, will invariably follow.
Then will be given to base companionship the hap-
our own country. We sliould not despise the way of our fathers, but
be ashamed to think how short we come of them. We munt regard
their testimony ; and, as far as it afi^rees with the word of God, put a
great value upon it We must follow them as far as tliey followed
Christ. Matthew Henry. Orig. MS. And see pott. p. 188.
XXIV
PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
piest overthrow; then will calumniated piety be
upheld by unanswerable vindications; religious
attainments will be advanced to an enviable matu-
rity; and, while individual happiness, and the
prosperity of the '^ holy church " universal, are
efficiently promoted, jflory in the hiyheit, ever justly
due, will be secured to the only living and true
God.
John Bickerton Williams.
Swan Hill, Shrewsbury,
February 12, 1825.
TO HIS MUCH HONOURED FRIEND
SIR HENRY ASHURST,
BARONET.
Sir,
The ministers of the gospel are; in the Scripture language, stars in the right hand of Christ,
to signify their diffusive Ught and beneficial influences. As in the futiu'c state of the resur-
rection, some stars shall differ from others in glory, so in the present state of the regeneration,
tome ministers are distinguished fix)m others by a brighter eminence in their endowments,
and a more powerful emanation of Kght in their preaching. Of this select number was Mr.
Philip Henry, in whom there was a union of those real excellences of parts, learning,* and
dirine graces, that signalized him among his brethren. This does evidently appear in the
narrative of his life, drawn by one very fit to do it ; — as having had entire knowledge of him,
br long and intimate conversation ; and having, by his holy instructions, and the impression
<rf his example, been made partaker of the same sanctifying Spirit. The describing the ex-
ternal actions of saints, without observing the holy principles and ajSections fi:om whence they
derived their life and purity, is a defective and irregular representation of them. It is as if an
account were given ol the riches and fecundity of the earth, firom the flowers and fnuts that
grow upon it, without considering the mines of precious metals contained in its bosom. Now,
only an inward Christian, that has felt tlie power of religion in his heart, can, fix)m the reflec-
tion upon himself, and his uncounterfeit experience, discover the operations of grace in the
breasts of others.
Mr. Henry was dedicated to the service of Christ by his mother in his tender age. His
first love and desires, when he was capable to make a judicious choice, were set upon God.
He entered early into the ministry, and consecrated all tiie powers of his soul, understanding,
memory, will, and aflections, with his time and strength, to the service of Christ And such
was the grace and favour of God to him, that he lost no days in his flourishing age, by satis-
fying the voluptuous appetites ; nor in his declining age by diseases and infirmities, but in-
cessantly applied himself to his spiritual work. He was called to a private place in Wales,
but his shining worth could not be shaded in a comer. A confluence of people fi-om other
parts attended on his ministry. Indeed, the word of truth that dies in the mouths of the cold
and careless, (for they are not all saints that serve in the sanctuary,) had life and spirit in his
preaching ; for it proceeded firom a heart burning with zeal for the hbnour of Christ and sal-
vation of souls. Accordingly he siuted his discourses to the wise and the weak ; and imitated
the prophet who contracted his stature to the dead body of the widow's son, applying his
mouth to the mouth of the child, to inspire the breath of life into him. The poor and de-
mised were instructed by him with the same compassionate love and diligence as the rich,
notwithstanding the civU distinction of persons which will shortly vanish for ever ; for he
considered their souls were of the same precious and immortal value. In the administration
of the Lord's Supper, he expressed the just temperament of sweetness and severity. With
melting compassion he invited all relenting and returning sinners to come to Christ, and re-
ceive their pardon sealed with his blood. But he was so jealous of the honour of Christ, that
he deterred, by the most fearful consequences, the rebcUious that indulged their lusts, firom
* Every one knows Mr. Philip Henry was an excellent scholar ; he was certainly possessed of a rich
treainre of all polite and useful learning, both in languages and in the sciences. LUe oi Wie'^N •'^'o^^t!^
Henry, by W. ToDg, oot. 1716. p. 24.
B 2
4 DEDICATION TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
coming to partake of the feast of the unspotted Lamb. He was not allured by temporal
advantage, which is the mark of a mercenary, to leave the first place where, by the divine
disposal, he was seated.
When the fatal Bartholomew-day came, though he had fair hopes of preferment, by his
attendance upon the King and Duke of York in their early age, — of which the remembrance
might have been revived, — yet he was guided by a superior spirit, and imitated the self-denial
of Moses, (a duty little understood, and less practised by the earthly-minded,) rather choosing
to suffer affliction mith the people of God, than to enjoy the good things of this world. As the
light of heaven, when the air is stormy and disturbed, does not lose the rectitude of its rays ;
so his enlightened conscience did not bend in compliance with the terms of conformity, but
he obeyed its sincere judgment.
After his being expelled firom the place of his public ministr}', his deportment was becom-
ing a son of peace. He refused not communion with the Church of England in the ordinances
of the gospel, so far as his conscience permitted. Yet he could not desert the duty of his
office, to which he was, with sacred solemnity, set apart. He was faithful to improve oppor-
timities for serving the interest of souls, notwithstanding the severities inflicted on him. And
after the restoring our freedom of preaching, he continued in tlie performance of his delightfid
work till death put a period to his labours.
After this account of him as a minister of Christ, I will glance upon his character as a
Christian. His conversation was so holy and regular, so free from taint, that he was imac-
cusable by his enemies. They could only object his nonconformity as a crime ; — ^but his
vigilant and tender conscience discovered the spots of sin in himself, which so affected his
soul, that he desired repentance might accompany him to the gate of heaven. An excellent
testimony of humility, the inseparable character of a saint. His love to God was supreme,
which was declared by his chosen horn's of communion with him every day. The union of
affections is naturally productive of union in conversation. Accordingly, our Saviour pro-
mises ; — He that loveth me shall he loved of my Father ; and I will love him, and will manifest
fnyself to him. And he repeats the promise ; — If a man love me he will keep my words : and
my tather will love him, and we wilt come to him, and make our abode with him. To his spe-
cial and singular love to God, was joined an universal love to men. He did good to all
according to his ability. His forgiving of injuries, that rare and difficult duty, was eminently
conspicuous in the sharpest provocations. When he could not excuse the offence, he would
pardon the offender, and strive to imitate 'the perfect model of charity exprest in our suffering
Saviour ; who in the extremity of his sufferings, when resentments are most quick and sensi-
ble, prayed for his cruel persecutors. His filial tnist in God was correspondent to God's
fatherly providence to him. This was his support in times of trial, and maintained an
equal temper in his mind, and tenor in his conversation. In short, he led a life of evangelical
perfection, most worthy to be honourably preserved in the memory of future times. The fol-
lowing narrative of it, if read with an observing eye, how instructive and affecting will it be
to ministers, and apt to transform them into his likeness !
Thus, Sir, I have given a short view of the life of that man for whom you had such a high
veneration and dear love. It argues a clearer spirit, and a diviner temper, than is usual in
persons of conspicuoui^ quality, when holiness is so despicably mean in the esteem of carnal
men, to value it above adl tities and treasures, and the perishing pride of this world. I am
persuaded it will be very pleasing to you, that your name, and excellent Mr. Henry's, are
joined in the same papers.
I am.
Sir,
Your very humble and faithful servant,
William Bates. *
TAe Rev. W. Bates, D. D. died July 14, 1699, act. 74. See the Biog. Brit. v. l..p. 687.
A PREFACE
TO THE READER.
That which we aim at in this undertaking, and which we would set before us at our
Dtnince upon it, is, not so much to embalm the memory of this good man, though that also
blessed, as to exhibit to the world a pattern of that primitive Christianity, which all that
new him well observed to be exemplified in him while he lived ; and when they saw the end
^ kit conversation^ as it were with one consent, desired a public and lasting account of, or
Iher demanded it, as a just debt owing to the world, by those into whose hands his papers
ime, as judging such an account likely to conduce much to the glory of God's grace, and to
le edification of many, especially of those that were acquainted with him. He was one
horn the Divine Providence did not call out, as neither did his own inclinaticm lead him, to
ly very pubUc scene of action. He was none of the for\i'ard men of the age, that made
iCTiselves talked of. The world scarce knew that there was such a man in it. But in his
iwand narrow sphere he was a burning and shining light: and therefore we think his pious
uuDQple is the more adapted to general use, especially, consisting not in the ecstasies and
iptnres of zeal and devotion, — which are looked upon rather as admirable than imitable ; —
Dt in the long series of an even, regular, prudent, and well ordered conversation, which he
ad in the world, and in the ordinary business of it, with simplicity and godly sincerity ; not
iStifltshltf wisdom J but by the grace of God, It hath been said, that quiet and peaceable
9gns, though they are the best to live in, yet they are the worst to write of, as j4elding least
uiety of matter for the historian's pen to work upon ; — ^but a quiet and peaceable life, in all
odliness and honesty y being tlie sum and substance of practical Christianity, the recommend-
ig of the example of such a life, in the common and familiar instances of it, together with
16 kind and gracious providences of God attending it, may be, if not as diverting to the
irious, yet every whit as usefiil and instructive to the pious, readers. If any suggest that
ic design of this attempt is to credit and advance a party, let them know that Mr. Henry
18 a man of no party, but true catholic Christianity, not debauched by bigotry, nor leavened
r any private opinions or interests, was his very temper and genius. According to the excellent
id royal laws of this holy religion, his Ufe was led with a strict and conscientious adherence
tmth and equity ; a great tenderness and inoffensivencss to all mankind ; and a mighty
Qcture of sincere piety and devot^dness to God. And according to those sacred rules, we
lall endeavour, in justice to him, as well as to our reader, to represent him in the following
rcoont ; and if any thing should drop from our pen, which might justly give offence to any,
hich we promise industriously to avoid, we desire it may be looked upon as a false stroke ;
id, so far, not truly representing him, who was so blameless^ and harmless, and without rebuke.
[uch of our materials for this structure we have out of his own papers, especially his diary,
T by them his picture may be drawn nearest to the life, and firom thence we may take the
nest idea of him, and of the spirit he was of Those notes being intended for his own pri-
ile UM in the review, and never communicated to any person whatsoever ; and appearing
6 PREFACE TO THE LIFE OF PHILIP HENRY.
here as they ought to do, in their own native dress,* the candid reader will excuse it, if some-
times the expressions should seem abrupt ; they are the genuine, unforced, and unstudied
breathings of a gracious soul, and we hope will be rather the more acceptable to those who,
through grace, are conscious to themselves of the same devout and pious motions. For, as
in water face answers to face, so doth one sanctified and renewed soul to another ; and as Mr.
Baxter observes, in his Preface to Mr. Clark's Lives,t — ^^ God's graces are much the same in
all his holy ones ; and therefore we must not think that such instances as these are extraor-
dinary rarities ; but God hath in wonderful mercy raised up many, by whose graces even this
earth is perfumed and enlightened." But, if one star be allowed to differ from another star in
glory, perhaps our reader will say, when he hath gone through the following account, that
Mr. Henry may be ranked among those of the first magnitude.
* Tone's Life of the Rev. Matthew Henry, p. 3. ui supra,
t The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons in this latter Age ; in Two Parts ; Part I. of Divines ; Part 11.
Of Nobility and Gentry of both Sexes. By Samuel Clark. Fol. 1683.
POSTSCRIPT.
This Account of the Life and Death of my honoured father, was first published the year
after he died ; and in a little time, there was a second impression of it, in which many con-
aderable errors of the first were amended. It having now been long out of print, and often
mquired for, this third edition comes abroad at the request of many who have found this por-
traiture of a Nathaniel, an Israelite indeed^ — a genuine son of faithful Jacob, — ihoi plain man
dtDelling in tents^ — very serviceable to themselves and others, both for direction, quickening,
and encouragement in the ways of God and godliness ; for even this way, as well as in conver-
sation,— as iron sharpens irony so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Frequent mention being made in the book of the comfort he had in all the branches of his
family, whom, with satisfaction, he saw planted in families of their own, it may not be amiss
here to mention the changes which the Divine Providence made among them, soon after the
Lord had taken away our master fix)m our head, who was a daily intercessor for us.
In the year 1697, the year after my father died, two of his four daughters died, in Chester,
of a malignant fever, within three weeks one of another : two excellent Christians ; and one
of them, by some papers of her writing found after her death, appearing to have had such an
experimental acquaintance with the principles, powers, and pleasures, of the spiritual apd
divine life, as few Christians, that have more than doubled her years, attain to.
In the year 1699, two of his four sons-in-law* died, likewise, in Chester, within four or five
months one of another ; both of them useful good men in their places, and blessings to their
faunilies. One of them was Dr. John Tylston, a physician, — ^like St Luke, — a beloved physi-
cian ; some time of Trinity College, in Oxford. Though he died at thirly-five years of age,
he was for several years very eminent, and of great repute, in his profession. He was a imi-
versal scholar, had abimdance of knowledge, and used it aright ; and was a very devout,
serious, conscientious Christian, and one that made it his business to do good. Many excel-
lent papers he also left behind him, full fi*aught with proofs both of his learning and piety.
He was greatly and generally lamented ; and his memory is, and will be, very precious in
this city. Having this occasion, I cannot forbear, even at this distance of time, dropping
some tears afresh over his dust, thus publicly ; for he was to me as my own soul ; and upon
every remembrance of him, I must still say, as I did then, what David said of Jonathan, — 1
am distressed for thee, my brother ; very pleasant hast thou been unto me,
• The one. Dr. John Tylston, died April 8, 1699. See his life in the Investigator, v. 2. p. 254, Su;.
The other, Mr. Samuel Radford, died August 20, 1699. See an interesting record of this event by Mrs.
Savage, in the Memoirs of her Life and Character, p. 22, &c. Also Tong's Life of the Rev. Matthew
Hemy, p. 149. nt Mupra.
8 POSTSCRIPT.
It pleased God graciously to prolong the life of my dear and honoured mother^ almost
eleven years after my father, very much to the comfort of all her relations : she continued, to
the last, at her house at Broad Oak, where she was bom, a great example of wisdom, piety,
and usefulness, and abounding in good works. I think I may say, in her sphere and capacity
she was not inferior to what my father was in his. She was very happy in a constant calm-
ness and serenity of mind, not easily disturbed ; which, as it was a singular gift of the divine
grace, and an instance of her wisdom, so it contributed very much to her close and comfort-
able walking with God, and her doing good. She lived and died rejoicing in Christ Jesus,
and in a pleasing expectation of the glory to be revealed. Dr. Benyonf preached her fune-
ral sermon in the meeting-place at Broad Oak, not a year before I preached his at Shrewsbuiy,
on Hebrews vi. 12. — Be ye followers of them, who, through faith and patience, inherit the
promises. The first sermon I preached at Broad Oak after that sad occasion, I wrote over at
large afterwards, designing it for the benefit, not only of her children, but of her grand-chil-
dren, of whom she had twenty-three following her to the grave. They have hawl it in manu-
script among them, and now, in compliance with the desire of many of my friends, I have
here added it to this edition of my father's Life ; and it is all I have thought fit to add to it
I confess, I am not solicitous, as some perhaps may think I should be, to make an excuse,
and to ask pardon for troubling the world with the little affairs of my poor family, and with
the indulgences of my natural affection to it. I design nothing in it but, if it may be, by the
grace of God, to do good to plain people like myself.
Matthew Henry.
Chester,
February 27, 1711-12.
♦ Appendix, No. I.
t Tator of an Academy at Whixall, in Shropshire, afterwards at Shrewsbury. He was bort June 14,
1073 ; and died March 4, 1707-8. set. 36.
AN
ACCOUNT
OF
THE LIFE AND DEATH
OF
MR. PHILIP HENRY.
CHAPTER I.
MS. PHILIP HVNRirS BIRTB, PAESKTAOB, BARIT FIETT, AND BDUCATIOK AT SCHOOL.
He was bom at Whitehall, in Westminster, on
Wednesday, August 24, 1631, being Bartholomew
Day. I find, usually, in his Diary, some pious re-
mark or other upon the annual return of his birth-
day. As in one year he notes, that the Scripture
mentions bat two who observed their birth-day with
feasting and joy, and they were neither of them
copies to be written after: viz. Pharaoh, Gen. xl.
20. and Herod, Matt. xiv. G.—But, saith he, I rather
obsenrc it as a day of mourning and humiliation,
because skapen in iniquity, and conceived in sin.
And when he had completed the thirtieth year of his
age, he noted this,— *So old, and no older, Alexan-
der* was, when he had conquered the great world,
but, saith he, I have not yet subdued the little world,
myself. At his thirty-third year he hath this hum-
ble reflection, — A long time lived to small purpose.
What shall I do to redeem it? And, at another, —
I may mourn, as Csesar** did, when he reflected
upon Alexander's early achievements, that others,
younger than I am, have done much more than I
have done for God, the God of my life. And, to
mention no more, when he had lived forty-two years,
he thus writes, — I would be loth to live it over again,
lest, instead of making it better, I should make it
vorse ; and besides, every year and day spent on
earth is lost in heaven. This last note minds me
a Plntarcb's Uvea, v. 4. p. SO. ed. 1793, oct
b Jaliiis Ccnr. Plut. v. 4. pp. 337, wt mipra. Also, Paradise Re.
litiied. Book iii. 30. Jec. Miltoirs Poetical Works by the Rev. H.
J.Todd,lf.A.F S.A« v. 5. p. U3, note.
c AppnwWy, Na II-
dWbcn llMt eadnent martyr, "Master George Wischard,"
of a passage I have heard him tell of a friend of his,
who, being g^wn into years, was asked how old he
was, and answered,-^On the wrong side of fifty ; —
which, said Mr. Henry, he should not have said ;
for, if he was going to heaven, it was the right side
of fifty.
He always kept a will by him ready made ; and
it was his custom, yearly, upon the return of his
birth-day, to review, and, if occasion were, to renew
and alter it. For it is good to do that at a set time,
which it is very good to do at some time. The last
will ' be made bears date, — ^This 24ih day of August,
1605, being the day of the year on which I was bom,
1631, and also the day of the year on which, by law,
I died,** as did also near two thousand faithful
ministers of Jesus Christ, 10G2 : alluding to that
clause in the Act of Uniformity, which disposeth of
the places and benefices of ministers not conform-
ing, as if they were naturally dead.
His father^s name was John Henry, the son of
Henry Williams, of Britton-Ferry, betwixt Neath
and Swansey, in Glamorganshire. According to the
old Welsh custom, (some say conformable to that of
the ancient Hebrews, but now almost in all places
laid aside,) the father's Christian name was the son's
surname.* He had left his native country, and his
father's house, very young, unprovided for by his
was prohibited preaching, ** he grew pensive i and being asked
the reason, said,— 'What do I differ IVom a dead man, but
that I eat and drink !' ** Clark's Gen. Martyr, p. 283. fol.
1677.
e See Verstcgan's Restitution of Decayed Intelligence, p 311.
1628. 4to.
10
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
relations ; ' but it pleased God to bless his ingenaity
and indastry with a considerable income afterwards,
which enabled him to live comfortably himself, to
bring up his children well, and to be kind to many of
his relations; but public events making against
him at his latter end, when he died he left little be-
hind him for his children, but God gpraciously took
care of them. Providence brought this Mr. John
Henry, when he was young, to be the Earl of Pem-
broke's ' gentleman, whom he served many years.
The Earl coming to be Lord Chamberlain, preferred
him to be the King's servant. He was first made
Keeper of the Orchard at Whitehall ; [For which he
had, besides a dwelling-house at the garden-stairs,
with the perquisites of the water-gate, and lodgings
of considerable yearly value,** and the profits of the
orchard, ten gpxiats per diem ' standing wages, with
livery out of the wardrobe,
* per annum, in-
somuch that he lived plentifully, and in good repute,
but laid by nothing.^
He was] afterwards Page of the Back Stairs to
the King's second son, James,'" Duke of York, which
place obliged him to a personal attendance upon the
Duke in his chamber. He lived and died a courtier,
a hearty mourner for his royal master King Charles
the First, whom he did not long survive." He
continued, during all the war-time, in his house at
Whitehall, though the profits of his places ceased.
The King, passing by his door, under a guard, to
take water, when ho was going to Westminster, to
that which they called his trial, inquired for his old
servant, Mr. John Henry, who was ready to pay hb
due respects to him, and prayed God to — Bless his
Majesty, and to deliver him out of the hands of his
enemies ; for which the g^ard had like to have been
rough upon him.®
His mother was Mrs. Magdalen Rochdale, of the
parish of St Martin's-in-the-Fields, in Westminster.
jShe was a virtuous, pious gentlewoman, and one
that feared God above many. She was altogether
dead to the vanities and pleasures of the court,
though she lived in the midst of them. She looked
well to the ways of her household ; prayed with them
daily, catechized her children, and taught them the
f He had from his flilher, as I have heard, but one groat. P.
Henry. Orig. BIS.
g Ob. 23rd Jan. 1640-50. Collins's Peerage, v. 3. p. 127, kc. ed.
181*2.
h £50 or £60 per annum. Orig. MS. of the Life of P. Henry, by
Matt Henry.
i Above £60 per annum. lb.
k £27 per annum. lb.
1 P. Hen. Orig. MS.
m Afterwards King James II.
n 1652, Feb. 28tlL My dear &ther, Mr. John Henry, died at his
house in Whitehall. A very great affliction both to myself and
sisters, especially the two little ones. The Lord provide for us!
He was bom July 20. 1590. P. Henry. Diary. Orig. MS.
o See a Mem. of the reign of K. Ch. I. by Sir P. Warwick, p. 379,
and Sir Tho. Herbert*s Memoir, p. 163.
p The Rev. W. Perkins died A. D. 1602, aged 44. Clarke*s
good knowledge of the Lord hetimes. I have heard
him speak of his learning Mr. Perkins's p Six Princi-
ples,** when he was very young ; and he often men-
tioned, with thankfulness to God, his great happi-
ness in having such a mother, who was to him as
Lois and Eunice were to Timothy, acquainting him
with the Scriptures from his childhood ; and, there
appearing in him early inclinations both to learning
and piety, she devoted him in his tender years to
the service of God, in the work of the ministry. She
died of a consumption, March 6, 1645, leaving be-
hind her only this son and five daughters. A little
before she died, she had this saying, '* My head is
in heaven, and my heart is in heaven ; it is but one
step more, and I shall be there too.''
His susceptors in baptism were, Philip ^ Earl of
Pembroke, (who gave him his name, and was kind
to him as long as he lived, as was also his son
Philip after him,) James" Earl of Carlisle, and the
Countess of Salisbury.^
Prince Charles°and the Duke of York being
somewhat near of an age to him, he was in his child-
hood very much an attendant on them in their play,
and they were often with him at his father's house,
and they were wont to tell him what preferment he
should have at court, as soon as he was fit for it
He kept a book to his dying day, which the Duke
of York gave him ; and I have heard him bewail the
loss of two curious pictures, which he gave him like-
wise. Archbishop Laud^ took a particular kind-
ness to him when he was a child, because he would
be very officious to attend at the water-g^te, (which
was part of his father's charge in Whitehall,) to let
the Archbishop through when he came late from
Council, to cro.ss the water to Lambeth.
[And when the Archbishop was a prisoner in the
Tower, his father took him with him to see him, and
he would remember that the Archbishop gave him
some new money.*]
These circumstances of his childhood he would
sometimes speak of among his friends, not as glory-
ing in them, but taking occasion from thence to bless
God for his deliverance from the snares of the court,
in the midst of which it is so very hard to maintain
Bfarrow of Eccl. Hist p. 850. 4to. 1654. It was the motto of the
learned and godly divine. Mr. Perkins, F!t!ei vita vera et7a;-the
true life is the life of fiaiith ; a word which that worthy servant of
God did both write and live. Bishop Hall. Works, vol. viii. p. 30.
oct ed.
q See Mr. Perkins's Works, vol. i. p. 1. fol. 1608.
r See Dunton's Life and Errors, v. i. p. 344. ed. 1818. He died
Dec. II, 1660. Collins's Peerage, v. 3. p. 140, &c. >/ suftra.
s Died without issue in 1660, on which his titles became ex-
tinct. Collins's Peerage, v. 7. p. 205. ut npra.
t Lady Catharine HowanI, youngest daughter of Thomas, Earl
of Suflblk. She was married to William, the second Earl of Salis-
bury, Dec. 1. 1608. Collins's Peerage, v. 2. p. 490. utsmpra,
u Afterwards King Charles II.
V He was bom A. D. 1.573, and beheaded Jan. 10. 1644-5. Hist
of his Troubles, Trial, Diary. &c. 2 vols. fol. 1695.
w Life. Orig. HAS. v/ tvpra.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
11
t good conscience and the power of religion, that it
hath been said, thongh, blessed be God, it is not a
role without exception. Exeat ex auU qui velit esse
fius, * The breaking ap and scattering of the court,
by the calamities of 1641, as it dashed the expecta-
tUMis of hia court preferments, so it prcTcnted the
danger of court entanglements. And, though it was
not, like Moses's, a choice of his own, when come
to years, to quit the court ; yet when he was come
to years, he always expressed a great satisfaction
in his remoral from it, and blessed God, who chose
his inheritance 30 much better for him.
Yet it may not be improper to observe here, what
vas obTious, as well as amiable, to all who convers-
ed with him ; yiz. that he had the most sweet and
obliging air of courtesy and civility that could be ;
which some attributed in part to his early education at
court. His mien and carriage were always so very
decent and respectful, that it could not but win the
hearts of all be had to do with. Never was any man
fartiier from that rudeness and moroscness which
some scholars, and too many that profess religion,
either wilfully affect, or carelessly allow themselves
in, sometimes to the reproach of their profession. It
is one of the laws of our holy religion, exemplified
in the couTersation of this goo8 man, to konour all
mem. Sanctified civility is a great ornament to
Christianity. It was a saying he often used, — Reli-
gion doth not destroy good manners ; [it destroys
not civility but sanctifies it ; '] and yet he was very
far from any thing of vanity in apparel, or formality
of compliment in addross ; but his conversation was
all natural and easy to himself and others, and no-
thing appeared in him, which even a severe critic
could justly call affected. This temper of his tended
very much to the adorning of the doctrine of God
oar Saviour ; and the general transcript of such an
excellent copy, would do much towards the healing
of those wounds which religion hath roceived, in the
house of her friends, by the contrary. But to return
to his story. —
The first Latin school he went to was at St.
Martin's church, under the teaching of one Mr.
Bonner.' Afterwards he was removed to Batter-
aey, * where one Mr. Wells was his schoolmaster.
The grateful mention which in some of his papers
he makes of these that were the guides and instruc-
tors of his childhood and youth, brings to mind that
French proverb to this purpose, '' To father, teacher,
and Grod all-sufficient, none can render equivalent.''
X Lncretiiis.
7 P. Henry. Orig. MB.
I Who was very loving to me, and took pains with me. P. Henry.
Orig. MS.
a Where I tabled at one Mr. Heybom's by the water-side, and
went to Bcbool to one Mr. Wells. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
b Died April 6, 1605. 0t 80. See Chalmers's Biog. Diet. v. 7. p.
438, Ice. And Mattaire's Ep. at the end of the Prefiuse in Vit Job.
Birwick, S. S. P. ed. 173L In the same volume is preserved an
But in the year 1643, when he was about twelve
years old, he was admitted into Westminster School,
in the fourth fonn, under Mr. Thomas Vincent, then
usher, whom he would often speak of as a most
able, diligent schoolmaster; and one who grieved
so much at the dulncss and non-proficiency of any
of his scholars, that falling into a consumption, I
have heard Mr. Henry say of him,— That he even
killed himself with false Latin.
A while after he was taken into the upper school,
under Mr. Richard Busby, afterwards Dr. Busby ; ^
and in October, 1G45, he was admitted King's scholar,
and was first of the election, partly by his own merit,
and partly by the interest of the Earl of Pembroke.
Here he profited greatly in school-learning, and
all his days retained his improvements therein to
admiration. [Nor was there any part of his life
which he did more frequently speak of with pleasure
than the years he spent at Westminster School. ']
When he was in years, he would readily in discourse
quote passages out of the classic authors that were
not common, and had them ad unguemy and yet
rarely used any such things in his preaching, though
sometimes, if very apposite, he inserted them in his
notes. He was very ready and exact in the Greek
accents, the quantities of words, and all the several
kinds of Latin verse; and often pressed it upon
young scholars, in the midst of their university-
learning, not to forget their school-authors.
Here, and before, his usual recreation at vacant
times was, either reading the printed accounts of
public occurrences, or attending the courts at West-
minster Hall, to hear the trials and arguments there,
which I have heard him say, he hath often done to
the loss of his dinner, and oftener of his play.
But paulo tnajora ranamti^.— Soon after those un-
happy Hurs begun, there was a daily morning lecture
set up at the abbey-church, between six and eight
of the clock, and preached by seven worthy members
of the assembly of divines in course, viz. Mr. Mar-
shal, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Heri, Dr. Staunton, Mr. Nye,
Mr. Whitakcr, and Mr. Hill. It was the request of
his pious mother to Mr. Busby, that he would give
her son leave to attend that lecture daily, which he
did, not abating any thing of his school-exercise, in
which he kept pace with the rest ; but only dispens-
ing with his absence for that hour. And the Lord
was pleased to make good impressions on his soul,
by the sermons he heard there. His mother also
took him with her every Thursday, to Mr. Case's*
anecdote at once descriptive or the Doctor's exemplary temper-
ance and the sad efl^ets of prejudice, p. 333.
c Life. Orig. MS. m/ npra.
d Thoma.H Case. P. Henry. Orig. MS. Thomas Case, M. A.
died May 30. 168-2, aet 84. See the Noncon. Mem. t. I. p. 153.
ed. 1802.
He preached a lecture at St. Martin's.! n-the-Pields every
Thursday, which be kept up above twenty years. Fun. Serm. by
Thomas Jacomb. D. D. p. 41. 4to. 1683.
1-2
THE UFE OF MR PHILIP HENRY.
lecture at St Martin's. On the Lord's day he sat
under the powerful ministry of Mr. Stephen Mar-
shal ; in the morning at Ncw-chapel, in the after-
noon at St. Margaret's Westminster, which was tlicir
parish church. In the former place Mr. Marshal
preached long from Phil. ii. 5, 6, &c. ; in the latter
from John viii. 36. of our freedom by Christ. This
minister, and this ministry, he would, to his last,
speak of with great respect, and thankfulness to
God, as that by which he was, through grace, in the
beginning of his days, heyotten again to a lively hope,
I have heard him speak of it, as the saying of some
wise men ' at that time, — That if all the Presbyte-
rians had been like Mr. Stephen Marshal, and all
the Independents like Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs,^
and all the Episcopal men like Archbishop Usher, s
the breaches of the church would soon have been
healed. He also attended constantly upon the
monthly fasts at St Margaret's, where the best and
ablest ministers of England preached before the then
House of Commons ; and the service of the day was
carried on with great strictness and solemnity, from
eight in the morning till four in the evening. [He
likewise frequented extraordinary fasts and thanks-
givings, i* Here he used to sit always upon the
pulpit stairs,' and] it was his constant practice,
from eleven or twelve years old, to write, as he could,
all the sermons he heard, which he kept very care-
fully, transcribed many of them fair over after, and,
notwithstanding his many removes, they are yet
forthcoming.
At these monthly fasts, he himself hath recorded
it, he had often sweet meltings of soul in pj^ayer,
and confession of sin, (particularly once with special
remark, when Mr. William Bridge,"^ of Yarmouth,
prayed,) and many warm and lively truths came
home to his heart, and he daily increased in that
wisdom and knowledge which is to salvation. Read
his reflections upon this, which he wrote many years
after. '' If ever any child," saith he, *' such as I
then was, between the tenth and fifteenth years of
my age, enjoyed line vpon line^ precept upon precept^
I did. And was it in vain ? I trust, not altogether
in vain. My soul rejoiccth, and is glad at the re-
membrance of it ; the word distilled as the dew, and
dropt as the rain, 1 loved it, and loved the messen-
gers of it; their very feet were beautiful to me.
And, Lord, what a mercy was it, that, at a time
when the poor countries were laid waste ; when the
. noise of drums and trumpets, and the clattering of
arms, was heard there, and the ways to Sion mourned,
that then my lot should be where there was peace
e Mr. Baxter used to ny so. Neal's History of the Puritans, v.
3. p. 349. ed. 1795.
f Nat. A. D. IM9. Ob. Nov. 14. I64fi. Lives of the Puritans, v.
3. p. i&
g Nat. Jan. 4. 1.580. ob. Mar. 21, 18W. Life and Utters, by his
Chaplain. Dr. Parr, fol. 1686.
h P. Henry. Orig. MS.
and quietness, where the voice of the turtle was heard^
and there was great plenty of gospel opportunities !
Bless the Lord, O my soul! As long as I live I will
bless the Lord. I will praise my God while I have
my being. Had it been only the restraint that it
laid upon me, whereby I was kept from the common
sins of other children and youths, such as cursing,
swearing, sabbath-breaking, and the like, I were
bound to be very thankful. But tliat it prevailed,
through grace, effectually to bring me to God, how
much am I indebted ! And what shall I render f"
Thus you see how the dews of heaven softened his
heart by degrees. — From these early experiences of
his own,
1. He would blame those who laid so much stress
on people knowing the exact time of their conver-
sion, which he thought was, with many, not possible
to do. Who can so soon be aware of the day-break,
or of the springing up of the seed sown ? The work
of grace is better known in its effects than in its
causes.
He would sometimes illustrate this by that saying
of the blind man to the Pharisees, who were so cri-
tical in examining the recovery of his sight. This,
and the other, I know not concerning it, but,— TAit
one thing I hnow, that, whereas I was blind, now I see,
John ix. 25.
2. He would bear his testimony to the comfort
and benefit of early piety, and recommend it to all
young people, as a good thing to bear the yoke of
the Lord Jesus in youth. He would often witness
against that wicked proverb, " A young saint, an
old devil ;" and would have it said rather, — A young
saint, an old angel.' He observed it concerning
Obadiah, and he was a courtier, that he feared the
Lord from his youth; 1 Kings xviii. 12. and it is
said of him, verse 3. that he " feared the Lord
greatly." Those that would come to fear God
greatly, must learn to fear him from their youth.
No man did his duty so naturally as Timothy did,
Phil. ii. 20. who, from a child, knew the Holy Scrip-
tures. He would sometimes apply to this that com-
mon saying, — He that would thrive, must rise at five.
And, in dealing with young people, how earnestly
would he press this upon them, — I tell you, you
cannot begin too soon to be religious, but you may
put it off too long. Manna must be gathered early,
and he that is the first, must have the first. He often
inculcated, Eccles. xii. I, Remember thy Creator in
the days of thy youth ; or, as in the original, ** the
days of thy choice," — thy choice days, and thy
choosing days.
I Life. Orig. MS. W npra.
k See the Noncon. Mem. v. a p. 19. He died Mar. 12, 1670.
mtlO.
1 Remember the olde proverbe, yomig saints, old devils; which
proverbe, in very deed, is naught and deeeitfull ; therefore ^e
may say thus,— Young devill, old devill ; Young saints, old saints.
Sermons by Bishop Latimer, p. 171. 4to. 1007.
THE LIFE OF MR, PHIUP HENRT.
13
[He would say sometimes,— The life of a Christian
is a life of labour ; San, Go, work ;— it is necessary
work, and excellent work, and pleasant work, and
profitable work ; and it is good to be at it when
young.-]
I remember a passage of his in a Lecture Sermon,
io the year 1674, which mach affected many. He
was preaching on that text. Matt. xi. 30. My yoke is
easy; and, after many things insisted upon, to prove
the yoke of Christ an easy yoke, he at last appealed
to the experience of all that had drawn in that yoke.
— C(f//, now, if there be any that will answer you ; and
to which of the saints will you turn ? Turn to which
Tou will, and they will all agree, that they have
foond wisdom's ways pleasantness ; and Christ's com-
mandments not grievous ; — and, saith he, I will here
witness for one, who, through grace, has, in some
poor measure, been drawing in this yoke, now above
thirty years, and I have found it an easy yoke, and
like my choice too well to change.
3. He would also recommend it to the care of
parents, to bring their children betimes to public
ordinances. He would say, that they are capable,
sooner than we are aware, of receiving good by them.
The Scripture takes notice, more than once, of the
Uttle ones in the solemn assemblies of the faithful ;
Deat. xxix. 11. Ezra x. 1. Acts xxi. 5. If we
lay our children by the pool-side, who knows but
the Blessed Spirit may help them in, and heal them. "
He used to apply that scripture to this. Cant. i. 8.
Those that would have communion with Christ,
must not only go forth by ihe footsteps of the flock,
themselves, hnX feed their kids too, — ^their children,
or other young ones that are under their charge,
beside the Shepherd's tents.
4. He would also recommend to young people the
practice of writing sermons. He himself did it, not
only when he was young, but continued it constantly
till within a few years before he died, when the decay
of his sight, obliging him to the use of spectacles,
made writing not so ready to him as it had been.
He never wrote short-hand, but had an excellent art
of taking the snbstsmcc of a sermon in a very plain
and legible hand, ** and with a great deal of ease.
And the sermons he wrote, he kept by him, in such
method and order, that, by the help of indexes.
m P. Henry. Orig. MS.
n See John v. 2 — 8.
o It hath been observed of many eminent men, that they have
wntten bat bad hands, and some think that is the meaning of
Paul's rnXicocf 'tpa4iiLa*rt9, Gal. vi. II. ** Ye see with what sort or
letters (how ill made) I have written to you with my own hand."
Rut if that be a rule, B(r. Henry was an exception from it. Life.
Ori^ MS. 9t tmfrm. The aame could not be said of the excellent
cofmneotator. Avrare of it, in a letter to his friend, the Rev. S.
Clark, be tbos writes ; — ** I oft blame myself for writing carelessly,
etpeeiany when my mind is intent" Chester. Dec. 4, 1700.
Orig MS.
p Mr. John Ireland, the editor of Hogarth's works, numbered
Mr. Henry among hia aneeators. His mother, the daughter of the
which he made to them, he could readily turn almost
to any sermon that ever he heard, where he noted
the preacher, place, and time ; and this he called, —
Hearing for the time to come. He recommended
this practice to others, as a means to engage their
attention in hearing, and to prevent drowsiness, and
to help their memories after hearing, when they come
cither to meditate t^pon what they have heard them-
selves, or to communicate it to others ; and many
have had reason to bless God for his advice and
instruction herein. He would advise people some-
times to look over the sermon-notes that they had
written, as a ready way to revive the good impres-
sions of the truths they had heard, and would blame
those who made waste-paper of them ; — for, saith
he, the day is coming, when you will either thank
God for them, or heartily wish you had never written
them.
But it is time we return to Westminster School,
Vhere, having begun to learn Christ, we left him in
the successful pursuitof other learning, under the eye
and care of that great Master, Dr. Busby ; who, on the
account of his pregnancy and diligence, took a par-
ticular kindness to him, called him his child, and
would sometimes tell him he should be his heir ; and
there was no love lost betwixt them. ' Dr. Busby
was noted for a very severe schoolmaster, especially
in the beginning of his time. But Mr. Henry would
say sometimes, that, as in so great a school there was
need of a strict discipline, so, for his own part, of
the four years he was in the school, he never felt the
weight of his hand but once, and then, saith he, in
some of the remarks of his youth, which he wrote
long after, I deserved it. For, being monitor of the
chamber, and, according to the duty of his place,
being sent out to seek one that played truant, ^ he
found him out where he had hid himself, and, at his
earnest request, promised to make an excuse for him,
and to say he could not find him ; which, saith he,
in a penitential reflection upon it afterwards, I
wickedly did. Next morning, the truant coming
under examination, and being asked whether he saw
the monitor, said. Yes, he did ; at which Dr. Busby
was much surprised, and turned his eye upon the
monitor, with this word, Kal ffv rUvov ; What thou, my
son!' and gave him correction, and appointed him
Rev. Thomas Holland, of Wem, in Shropshire, was Mr. Henry*i
greaUgrand.daughter.
The first time Mr. Ireland was introduced to Dr. Johnson, he
was stated to be a descendant of Mr. Philip Henry, on which that
great man remarked, in his emphatic manner,—" Sir, you are
descended from a man, whose genuine simplicity, and unalDscted
piety, would have done honour to any sect of Christians-, and,
as a scholar, he must have had uncommon acquirements, when
Busby boasted of having been his tutor." Public Characters of
iaoO-1801. p. 339.
q One Nath. Bull, afterwards a Master of Paul's School Life.
Orig. MS. «/ npra.
r The historian, narrating the murder of Julius Cesar,
records, that,—" with 3 and 20 wounds he was stabbed : dur-
u
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
to make a penitential copy of Latin verses, which,
when he brought, he gave him sixpence, and received
him into his favour again.
Among the mercies of Grod to him in his youth,
(and he would say, it were well if parents would
keep an account of those for their children, till they
came to be capable of doing it for themselves, and
then to set them upon the doing of it,) he hath
recorded a remarkable deliverance he had here at
Westminster School, which was this : It was cus-
tomary thei J, among the studious boys, for one, or
two, or more, to sit up the former part of the night at
study ; and when they went to bed, about midnight,
to call others ; and they others, at two or three o'clock,
as they desired. His request was to be called at
twelve ; being awaked, he desired his candle might
be lighted, which stuck to the bed's head ; but he
dropt asleep again, and the candle fell, and burnt
part of the bed and bolster, ere he awaked ; but,
through God's good providence, seasonable help came
in, the fire was soon quenched, and he received no
harm. This g^ve him occasion, long after, to say, —
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
When he was at Westminster school he was em-
ployed by Dr. Busby, as some others of the most
ingenious and industrious of his scholars were, in
their reading of the Greek Authors, to collect, by
his direction, some materials for that excellent Greek
Grammar, which the Doctor afterwards published.
But, be the school never so ag^eable, youth is
desirous to commence man by a removal from it.
This step he took in the sixteenth year of his age.
It was the ancient custom of Westminster School,
that all the King's Scholars, who stood candidates
for an election to the University, were to receive the
Lord's Supper the Easter before, which he did with
the rest, in St. Margaret's Church, at Easter, 1647 ;
and he would often speak of the great pains which
Dr. Busby took witli his scholars, that were to
approach to that solemn ordinance, for several weeks
before, at stated times ; with what skill and serious-
ness of application, and manifest concern for their
souls, he opened to them the nature of the ordinance,
and of the work they had to do in it ; and instructed
them what was to be done in preparation for it ; and
this he made a business of, appointing them their
religious exercises instead of their school exercises.
What success this had, through the g^nce of God,
upon young Mr. Henry, to whom the doctor had a
iog which time he gave but one frronn, without any worde
uttered, and that was at the first thrust ; although some
have written, that, as M. Brutus came running upon him, he
said, Kai ffv TCKvov ; j1»d lk<m^ my tonnt /" Suetonius, p. 33. fol.
1006.
s Upon hearing of the death of Dr Busby, in April, 1695, after
he had been near flfty-eight years Schoolmaster of Westminster
School, Mr. Henry thus writes.^! believe 1 have as much reason
to l^less God for him, as any scholar that ever he had —he having
particular regard, read from his own hand. '* There
had been treaties," saith he, '* before, between my
soul and Jesus Christ, with some weak overtures
towards him ; but then, then, I think, it was, that
the match was made, the knot tied : then I set my-
self, in the strength of divine grace, about the great
work of self-examination, in order to repentance ;
and then I repented ; that is, solemnly and seriously,
with some poor meltings of soul. I confessed my
sins before God, original and actual, judging and
condemning myself for them, and casting away from
me all my transgressions, receiving Christ Jesus the
Lord, as the Lord my Righteousness, and devoting
and dedicating, my whole self, absolutely and unre-
servedly, to his fear and service. After which,
coming to the ordinance, there, there I received him
indeed ; and He became mine ; — I say. Mine, Bless
the Lord, O my soul /"
Dr. Busby's agency, under God, in this blessed
work, he makes a very g^^teful mention of, in divers
of his papers,— The Lord recompense it, saith he, a
thousand-fold into his bosom. *
I have heard him tell how much he surprised the
Doctor, the first time he waited upon him after he
was turned out by the act of uniformity : for when
the Doctor asked him, '' Pr'ythee, child, what made
thee a nonconformist ?— Truly, Sir, saith Mr. Henry,
you made me one ; for you taught me those things
that hindered me from conforming."
" Encouraged by this experience, I have myself,"
saith he, in one of his papers, '* taken like pains
with divers others at their first admission to the Lord's
table, and have, through grace, seen the comfortable
fruits of it, both in mine own children and others.
To God be glory."
Mr. Jeremy Dyke's* book of the sacrament, I
have heard him say^ was of great use to him at that
time, in his preparation for that ordinance.
Thus was this great concern happily settled before
his launching out into the world, which, through
grace, he had all his days more or less the comfort
of, in an even serenity of mind, and a peaceful ex-
pectation of the glory to be revealed.
May 17, 1647, he was chosen from Westminster
School to Christ-church in Oxford, jure loci, with
four others, of which he had the second place. At
his election he was very much countenanced and
smiled upon by his godfather, the Earl of Pembroke,
who was one of the electors.
been so instrumental in beginning the good work in him. Lire.
Orig. MS. tit twpra.
t He was " or a cheerful spirit ; and know, reader* that an ounce
of mirth, with the same degree of grace, will serve God farther
than a pound of sadiiease." Fuller's Worthies. Hartfordshire, p.
38 fol. 1602. He died A. D. 16*20.
The book referred to is entitled, *• A Worthy Communicant;
or, a Treatise, showing the due order of Receiving the Sacrament
of the Lord's Supper." Duod. 1615.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
15
CHAPTER n.
HIS TEARS SPENT AT OXFOED.
Though be was chosen to the Uniyersity in May,
yet, being then yonng, under sixteen, and in loye
with his achool-lcaming, he made no g^at haste
thither. It was in December* following, 1647, that
he removed to Oxford. Some merciful providences,
in his joamcy, he being a young traveller, affected
him much, and he used to speak of them, with a
sense of God's goodness to him in them, according
to the impressions then made by them ; and he hath
recorded them with this thankful note, — That there
may be a great mercy in a small matter ; as the care
that was taken of hipi by strangers, when ho fainted
tnd was sick in his inn the first night; and his
casual meeting with Mr. Anncsly, son to the Vis-
count Yalentia, (who was chosen from Westminster
•
School at the same time that he was,) when his other
company, going another way, had left him alone,
and utterly at a loss what to do. Thus the sensible
remembrance of old mercies may answer the inten-
tion of new ones, which is to engage our obedience
to God, and to encourage our dependence on him.
Being come to Oxford, he was immediately en-
tocd commoner of Christ-church, where Dr. Samuel
FelP was then Dean ; the tutor assigned to him and
the rest of that election was Mr. Underwood/ a very
learned, ingenious gentleman.
His godfather, the Earl of Pembroke, had given
him ten pounds to buy him a gown, to pay his fees,
and to set out with. This in his papers he puts a re-
mark upon, as a seasonable mercy in regard of some
straits, which Providence, by the calamity of the
times, had brought his father to. God had taught
him from his youth that excellent principle, which
he adhered to all his days, that every creature is that
to us, and no more, that God makes it to be ;** and,
therefore, while many seek the ruler's favour, and so
expect to make their fortunes, as they call it, seeing
every man's judgement procccdeth from the Lord, it
is our wisdom to seek his favour, who is the Ruler of
rolers, and that is an effectual w^y to make sure our
happiness.
To the proper studies of this place he now vigor-
ously addressed himself; but still retaining a great
kindness for the classic authors, and the more polite
exercises he loved so well at Westminster School.
t Dec 15 Orig. BIS.
b Bora, 1584 ; Ob. Feb. IS48-9. Wood's Ath. Oxon. By Dr.
mm, T. a p.* 343. 4to. ISIT
c See Walker* s Sofkrings of tbe aeiig7, Part 11. p. 110. fol.
mi.
d Dr. Harris ** would oHen say, God made It appear to all be-
kolden, that the beat nan ia no more than God makes him hourly."
Ufe. by W. D.Cuzham.3 p. 4S. duod. lew. See Wood's Ath. ▼. 4.
pi 146L witaprm.
He was admitted student of Christ-church, March
24, 1647-8, by Dr. Henry Hammond, ** that g^eat man,
then Sub-Dean, who called him his god-brother, the
Earl of Pembroke being his god-father also, and
Prince Henry the other, who gave him his name.
The visitation of the University by the Parliament
happened to be in the very next month after. Ox-
ford had been for a good while in the hands of the
Parliament, and no change made-; but now the Earl
of Pembroke, and several others thereunto appoint-
ed, came hither to settle things upon a new bottom.
The account Mr. Henry in his papers gives of this
affair, is to this purpose : The sole question which
the visitors proposed to each person, high and low,
in every college, that had any place of profit, was
this, ** Will you submit to the power of the Parlia-
ment in this present visitation V* To which all were
to give in their answer in writing, and accordingly
were either displaced or continued. Some cheerfully
complied, others absolutely refused ; (among whom
he would sometimes tell of one that was but of his
standing, who gave in this bold answer, " I neither
can nor will submit to the power of the Parliament
in this present visitation ; I say I cannot, I say I
mil not.'' J. C.^ Others answered doubtfully,
pleading youth and ignorance* in such matters.
Mr. Henry's answer was, — I submit to the power of
the Parliament in the present visitation, as far as I
may with a safe conscience, and without perjury.
His reason for the last salvo was, because he had
taken the oaths of allegiance and supremacy a little
before, at his admission ; which he was, according
to the character of the good man, that he fears an
oath, very jealous of doing any thing to contradict
or infringe ; which hath made him sometimes signify
some dislike of that practice of administering oaths
to such as were scarce past children, who could
hardly be supposed to take them with judgment, as
oaths should be taken. However, this answer of his
satisfied ; and, by the favour of the Earl of Pembroke,
he was continued in his student's place. But g^eat
alterations were made in that, as well as in other
colleges, very much, no question, to the hinderance
and discouragement of young scholars, who came
thither to get learning, not to judge of the rights of
government. Dr. Samuel Fell, the Dean, was re-
moved, and Dr. Edward Reynolds, afterwards Bishop
of Norwich, was put in his room. Dr. Hammond
and all the Canons, " except Dr. Wall, were dis-
placed, and Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Pococke, and
e See bis life by Dr. Fell. p. 3. duod. i661. Dr. H. was born 18
Aug. 1605. Ob. 25 Ap. 1600.
f John Carrick. P. Henry. Orig. MS. See Wallcer, »/ wpra.
Part 11. p. 110. His answer provoked, and be was soon after
turned out. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
g See tbe Lives o( Jobn Leland, Tbomas Haame, and Anthony
i Wood, ▼. 2. p. 52. OCt 1772.
h Dr. George Morley. Dr. Rich. Gardiner, Dr. Morris. Dr. San-
derson, and Dr. Payn, and one more. P. Henry, Orig. MS.
16
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
others,' of the Parliament's friends, were preferred
to their places. His thoughts of this in the reflection
long after, was, that milder methods might have done
better, and would have been a firmer establishment
to the new interest ; but, considering that many of
those who were put out (being in expectation of a
sudden change, which came not of many years after)
were exasperating in their carriage towards the
visitors ; and that the Parliament, who at this time
rode masters, had many of their own friends ready
for University-preferments, (which, Oxford having
been from the beginning a garrison for the King;
they had been long kept out of,) and these they were
concerned to oblige, it was not strange if they took
such strict methods. And yet nothing being required
but a bare submission, which might be interpreted
but as crying quarter, he thought withal, that it
could not be said the terms were hard, especially,
saith he, if compared with those of another nature
imposed since.
Among other student-masters removed, his tutor,
Mr. Underwood, was one, which he often bewailed
as ill for him, for he was a good scholar, and one
that made it his business to look after his pupils,
who were very likely, by the blessing of God, to
have profited under his conduct. But, upon the re-
moval of Mr. Underwood, he, with some others, was
turned over to Mr. Finmore, who was then in with
that interest which was uppermost, and was after-
wards Prebendary of Chester ; a person, as he notes,
able enough, but not willing to employ his abilities
for the good of those that were committed to his
charge ; towards whom he had little more than the
name of a tutor. This he lamented as his infelicity
at his first setting out. But it pleased God to give
him an interest in the affections of a young man, an
under-graduatc then, but two or three years his senior
fix>m Westminster, one Mr. Richard Bryan, " who
took him to be his chamber-fellow, while he con-
tinued at Oxford, read to him, overlooked his studies,
and directed him in them. Of this gentleman he
makes a very honourable mention, as one who was,
through God's blessing, an instrument of much good
to him. Mr. John Fell, also, the Dean's son, (after-
wards himself Dean of Christ-church, ahd Bishop
of Oxford,) taking pity on him, and some others
that were neglected, voluntarily read to them for
some time ; a kindness which he retained a very
grateful sense of, and for which he much honoured
that learned and worthy person.
Here he duly performed the college-exercises, dis-
i Mr. Cornish, Mr. Langley, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Button, and Dr.
Mills. Also great alterations among the students, and the like, in
other colleges. P. Henry. Orig MS.
k See Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy, Part II. p. 110.
1 Life. Orig. MS. «/ $wpra.
m What must needes bee done in colledge-exercise, for dispu-
tations every day, in Tcrm>time, for theames and verses once a
week, and for declamations, when it came to my turn, I did as
putations every day, in Term-time; thenies and
verses once a week, and declamations when it came
to his turn ; in which performances he frequently
came off with very great applause. And many of
his manuscripts which remain, show how well he
improved his time there, [though most of his philo-
sophy collections were casually lost together in a
trunk in some remove, which he oft lamented. ']
And yet, in some reflections I find under his band,
written long after, wherein he looks back upon his
early days, he chargeth it upon himself, that for a
good while after he came to the University, though
he was known not to be inferior to any of his stand-
ing in public exercises,'" yet he was too much a
stranger to that hard study which afterwards he
became acquainted with, and that he lost a deal of
time which might have been better improved. Thus
he is pleased to accuse himself of that, which, for
ought I ever heard, no one else did, or could, accuse
him of. But the truth is, in all the secret accounts
he kept of himself, he appears to have had a very
quick and deep sense of his own failings and infir-
mities, in the most minute instances ; the loss of time,
weakness and distractions in holy duties, not im-
proving opportunities of doing good to others, and
the like ; lamentably bewailing these imperfections,
and charging them upon himself, with as great ex-
pressions of shame, and sorrow, and self-abhorrence,
and crying out as earnestly for pardon and forgive-
ness in the blood of Jesus, as if he had been the
greatest of sinners. [" I was," he writes, " too
much in love with recreation ; a bowling-green, I
remember, out of town, and a methcglin-house, which
I often went to in winter for my morning draught,
and it was such a draught as disfitted me for study
after, though I cannot say I was ever drunk. These
things are now bitter to me, and have been formerly,
many a time, in the reflection, and here I record
them against myself.'' *] For, though he was a man
that walked very closely, yet withal he walked very
humbly, with God, and lived a life of repentance and
self-denial. This minds me of a sermon of his,
which one might discern came from the heart, on
that scripture, Rom. vii. 24. O wretched man that I
am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death !
A strange complaint, saith he, to come from the
mouth of one who had learned in every state to be
content. Had I been to have g^ven my thoughts,
said he, concerning Paul, I should have said, O
blessed man that thou art, that hast been in the third
heaven, a great apostle, a spiritual father to thon-
others of my standing, and sometimes had prayse for it But as
for that which wee call hard study, giving myself to reading, late
and early, and digesting what I read by daily serious review, I was
too much a stranger to it P. Henry. Orig. MS. See some Re-
markable Passages in the Lire of the Rev. Mr. Edmund Trendi, p.
!iO. duod. 1693.
n P. Henry. Orig. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
17
giDds, &c. and yet a wretched man all this while,
in his own accoant and esteem. He never complains
thus of the bonds and afflictions that did abide him,
the prisons that were frequent, the stripes above
measure ; but the body of death ; that is, the body
of sin, that was it he groaned under. How feelingly
did he observe from thence, — That the remainders
of indwelling corroption are a very grievous burthen
to a gracious soul.®
But to return. It may not be amiss to set down
the causes to which he ascribes his loss of time when
he came first to the University. One was, that he
was younf^, too young, and understood not the day of
lib opportunities, which made him afterwards ad-
vise his friends not to thrust their children forth too
90on from school to the university, though they may
seem ripe, in respect of learning, till they have dis-
cretion to manage themselves. While they are chil-
dren, what can be expected but that they should
mind childish things? Another was, that, coming
from Westminster School, his attainments in school-
learning were beyond what generally others had that
came from other schools ; so that he was tempted to
think there was no need for him to study much, be-
cause it was so easy to him to keep pace with others ;
which, be said, was the thing Dr. Caldecott, Chap-
lain to the Earl of Pembroke, and his great friend,
warned him of at his coming to Oxford. Another
was, that there were two sorts of persons, his con-
temporaries ; some of the new stamp, that came in
by tiie visitation, and were divers of them serious,
pious young men, but of small ability, comparatively,
for learning, and those for that reason he desired
not to have much fellowship with. But there were
others that were of the old spirit and way, enemies
to the Parliament, and the reformation they made ;
and these were the better scholars, but generally not
the better men. With them, for a while, he struck
in because of their learning, and conversed most
with them ; but he soon found it a snare to him, and
that it took him off from the life of religion and
communion with God. Elanguescere mox eepit,
saith he, in a Latin narrative of his younger years,
fristuuB pietutu order, 9fc, But, *' for ever praised
be the riches of God's free grace," saith he, in an-
other account, ** that he was pleased still to keep
his hold of me ; and not to let me alone when I was
running from him, but set his hand again the second
o See the Works of Bishop Reynolds, fol. 1056. p. 6S4. and Dr.
John Owen's Treatise on In-dwelling Sin, 1608. oct
p A sfanilar phrase occurs in the writings of Mr. Paul Rayne ;—
" He Vbmi stamhles, and comes not down, gets ground : the trip-
piop of God*s children, in which they recover themselves, bring
them on with greater advantage." Christian Letters, p. na daod.
1631. Jfir. Bayne died in 1AI7. See Chuk's Lives, annexed to the
KMyrologie, p. «. foL 1077. Mr. Baxter thought him '* one of
the hoUcst eboiecst men, that ever England bred." Saints'
Everlasting Rest, p. 4IS. -Ito. IMZ.
q FstaMrsNoDCon. Mem. ▼. 3. p. 480; said to be printed fhmi
Mr.HeBirsI>ianr.
c
time, as the expression is, Isa. xi. 11. to snatch me
at a brand out of the fire," His recovery from this
snare he would call a kind of second conversion ;
so much was he affected with the preventing grace
of God in it, and sensible of a double bond to be for
ever thankful, as well as of an engagement to be
watchful and humble. It was a saying of his,—
He that stumbleth and doth not fall, gets ground by
his stumble.P
[Hence he writes, " Forasmuch as I have by
often experience found the treachery and deceitful-
ness of my own heart, and being taught that it is
my duty to engage my heart to approach unto God,
and that one way of doing it is by subscribing with
my hand unto the Lord ; therefore let this paper be
witness, that I do deliberately, of choice, and unre-
servedly, take God in Christ to be mine ; and give
myself to him, to be his, to love him, to fear him, to
serve and obey him ; and, renouncing all my sins
with hearty sorrow and detestation, I do cast myself
only upon free grace, through the merits of Christ,
for pardon and forgiveness ; and do propose, God
enabling me, from this day forward, more than
ever, to exercise myself unto godliness, and to walk
in all the ways of religion as much as ever I can
with delight and cheerfulness, as knowing that my
labour shall not be in vain in the Lord/* i]
At the latter end of the year 1648, he had leave
given' him to make a visit to his father at White-
hall, with whom he staid some time ; there he was,
January 30, when the King was beheaded,, and with
a very sad heart saw that tragical blow given. Two
things he used to speak of, that he took notice of
himself that day, which I know not whether any of
the historians mention. One was, tliat at the instant
when the blow was given, there was such a dismal
universal groan among the thousands of people that
were within sight of it, as it were with one consent,
as he never heard before, and desired he might never
hear the like again, nor see such a cause for it. *The
other was, that inmiediately after the stroke was
struck, there was, according to order, one troop
marching from Charing-cross towards King-street,
and another from King-street towards Cha ring-cross,
purposely to disperse and scatter the people, and to
divert the dismal thoughts which they could not but
be filled with, by driving them to shift every one for
his own safety. He did upon all occasions testify
r At the latter end of the year I64S I had leave given me to goe
to London to see my rather; and during my stay there, at that
time, at Whitehall, it was. that I saw the beheading of King
Charles the ^rst Hee went by water to Westminster, for bee
took bai^e at Garden-stayres, where wee lived, and once he spake
to my father, andsayd,— Art thou alive yetl
On the day of his execution, which was Tuesday, Jan. 30, I
stood amongst the crowd in the street, before Whitehall gate,
where the scaObld was erected, and saw what was done, but was
not so near as to hear any thing. The blow I saw given, and can
tndy say, with a sad heart. P. Henry. Orig. BIS.
18
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
hia abhorrence of this unparalleled action, which he
always said was a thing that could not be justified,
and yet he said he saw not how it could be called a
national sin ; for, as the King urged upon hL« trial, it
was certain that not one man of ten in the kingdom
• Sf^e the Bishop ^'^ ^^^^^^^^^ *^ ^^ ' * "«' <^°"'^ ^* ^^
of Chichester's Ser. called the sin of the long Parlia-
moD before the King, ^^rr^L xT-^*
Jan. 30th. I6OT, page ment, for far the greatest part of
could be called a na- thing was in agitation, imprisoned
and kept under a force, and scarce
twenty-seven of the forty that were left to carry the
name of a Parliament, did give their vote for it ;
which the Commissioners for the trying of the King's
Judges, in the year 1660, (some of whom had been
themselves members of the Long Parliament,) urged
again and again, in answer to that plea which the
prisoners stood so much upon, that what they did
was by authority of the Parliament. But it is mani-
fest it was done by a prevailing party in the army,
who, as he used to express it, having beaten their
plowshares into swords, could not so easily beat their
swords into plowshares again, as having fought more
for victory and dominion than for peace and truth ;
but how far these men were acted and influenced by
another sort of people behind the curtain, the world
is not altogether ignorant. * For some years after
King Charles II. came in, he observed the yearly
day of humiliation^ for this sin, desiring that God
would not lay the guilt of blood to the charge of the
nation. 9ut, afterwards, finding to what purposes it
was generally observed, and improved even to the
reproach and condemning not only the innocent, but
of some of the excellent ones of the land, and noting
that there is no precedent in Scripture of keeping
annual days of humiliation for particular sins; espe-
cially after the immediate judgment is at an end,
Zech. viii. 19. Heb. x. 2, 3. he took no further
notice of it. But in his diary he adds this tender
remark, according to the spirit he was of, '< Yet
good men, no doubt, may observe it to the Lord."
Rom. xiv. 6. Thus he judged not, and why then
should he be judged ?
In the year 1650-1 he took his Bachelor of Arts
degree, and he hath recorded the goodness of God
in raising him up friends, who helped him out in
the expenses. Such kindnesses have a peculiar
sweetness in them to a good man, who sees and
receives them as the kindness of God, and the tokens
of his love.
He would often mention it with thankfulness to
s See Dr. Pair's Life of Archbishop Usher, nt $upra. Letters at
the end, No. 293; and the Alnr. of Baxter's Life and Times, ▼. I.
p. 57, &c. oct 1713.
1 1671. Jan. 30. Brings to remembrance the horrid murder of
the late King. Deliver the nation from ))lood.guiltinea8, 0 God !
P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
1073. Jan. 30. We remembered this day the death of Charles L
God, what great helps and advantages he had then
in the University, not only for learning, but for
religion and piety. Serious godliness was in repu-
tation, and besides the public opportunities they had,
there were many of the scholars that used to meet
together for prayer, and Christian conference, to the-
great confirming of one another's hearts in the fear
and love of God, and the preparing of them for the
service of the church in their generation. I have
heard him speak of the prudent method they took
then about the University sermons on the Lord's day
in the afternoon ; which used to be preached by the
fellows of colleges in their course ; but, that being
found not so much for edification. Dr. Owen " and
Dr. Goodwin* performed that service alternately, and
the young masters that were wont to preach it, had a
lecture on Tuesday appointed them. The sermons he
heard at Oxford he commonly wrote, not in the time
of hearing, but afterwards, when he came home, in
his reflection upon them, which he found a good help
to his memory.
In December, 1002, he proceeded Master of Arts,
and in January following preached his first sermon
at South Hinksey in Oxfordshire, on John viii. 34.
Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. On
this occasion he writes in his diary what was the
breathing of his heart towards God, — The Lord make
use of me as an instrument of his glory, and his
church's good, in this high and holy calling.
His great parts and improvement, notwithstanding
his extraordinary modesty and humility, had made
him so well known in the University, that in the
following act, in July, 1653, he was chosen out of all
the masters of that year, to be junior of the act, that
is, to answer the philosophy questions in Vesperiis,
which he did with very g^eat applause ; especially
for the very witty and ingenious orations which he
made to the University upon that occasion. His
questions were, — 1. An licitum sit eamibiu vesdt
Aff. 2. An institutio academiarum sit Htilis in repub'
licA? Aff. 3, An inpenium pendeat ab kumoribus
corporis ? Aff. At the act in 1654, he was chosen
Magiiter Replicans, and answered the philosophy
questions tit comitiis, with a like applause. His
questions then were, — 1. An melius sit sperare quam
fruif Neg. 2. An maxima animi delectatio sit a sen-
sibus? Neg. S. An utile sit per egrinari? Aff.
Dr. Owen, who was then Vice-Chancellor, hath
spoken with g^eat commendation of these perform-
ances of Mr. Henry's to some in the University
afterwards, who never knew him otherwise than by
with grief, and prayer,~that God would please to foigive it,—
Exod. XX. &.— vwtViii^ the iniquity. P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
See the life of the Rev. Thomas Cawton, p. 25. duod. 16G3; and
Clark'a Lives of Eminent Persons, p. 19. foL 1683.
« Nat iei6. Ob. Aug. 34, 1683. .See his Life by Mr. Onne, ntnpn.
r Nat Oct. 5. 1600. Ob. Feb. 23, 1679. Life prefixed to his woiks,
vol. V. fol. 1704.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
19
repent ; and I have heard a worthy divine who was
MMCiwliat hill junior in the University, and there a
perfect stranger to him, say, how much he admired
diese exercises of his, and loved him for them ; and
yet how mach more he admired, when he afterwards
became acquainted with him in the country, that so
curious and polite an orator should hccome so profit-
able and powerful a preacher, and so readily lay
aside the enticing words of man's wisdom, which
were so easy to him.
There is a copy of Latin verses of his in print,
among the poems which the University of Oxford
published upon the peace concluded with Holland,"
ia the year 1654, which show him to be no less a
poef than an orator.
He hath noted it of some pious young men, that
before they removed from the University into the
eoontry, they kept a day of fasting and humiliation
for the sins they had been guilty of in that place and
state. And in the visits he made afterwards to the
Univernty, he inserts into his book, as no doubt
God did into His, — a tear dropt over my Univcrsity-
un%.* [He would sometimes say, *' When we mourn
for sin becaosc God is oflended by it, and abstain
from sin becanseof his honour, that we may not wrong
him, or grieve him, this is more pleasing to him than
bnmt-oQcrings and sacrifices. ']
CHAPTER III.
m IXMOVAL TO WOKTHENBURT, IN FUNTBHIRB, HIS ORDINA-
noV TO THS MUffUTST, AND HIS KXIBCME OF TV THIRB.
Worth EMBURY * is a little town by Dee side, in that
Hundred of Flintshire which is separated some
■lies from the rest of the county, and known by the
name of English Mailors,^ because though it is re-
puted in Wales, as pertaining to Flintshire, yet in
language and customs it is wholly English, and lies
mostly between Cheshire and Shropshire. Worth-
cnbory was of old a parochial chapel, belonging to
the rectory of Bangor,' but was separated from it in
the year 1666, by the trustees for uniting and dividing
of parishes, and was made a parish of itself. But
what was then done being vacated by the King's
coming in, it then came to be in statu quo, and con-
tinued an appurtenant to Bangor, till, in the second
w Appendix, So. UL
s Umj not Sterne tiave htd in view this sentence when he pen.
Md die well-known pMssge,— '* The accusing spirit which flew
op to heaven's chancery with the oath, blushed as he gave it in ;
—and the Rceording Angel, as he wrote it down, drcfped a ttar
apoa the wont, and blotted it out for erer." Works, vol. vi. p.
Oidood. ma
7 P. Bcary. Orig. MS.
• Beacth Bangor, stil on the sonth side of Dee ryver, is a pa-
roebe eaallid Wortbembre: in Walch, Ouothambre; having a
fiure diicii, tat at a membre to Bangor. Leland's Itinerary^ vol.
▼. p. m oct 1744.
V Sec Leiaad, wtmprM, v. 5. p. SO.
c 2
year of the reign of King William and Queen Mary,
it was again by act of Parliament separated, and
made independent upon Bangor. That was the only
act that passed the royal assent with the act of re-
cognition, at the beginning of the second parliament
of this reign.* The principal family in Worthen-
bury parish, is that of the Pulestons of Emeral. The
head of the family was tfien John Pulcston, Serjeant
at Law, one of the Judges of the Common Pleas.
This was the family to which Mr. Henry came
from Christ-church, presently after he had completed
his Master's degree, in 1653. Ordered into that
remote, and unto him unknown, comer of the coun-
try, by that overruling Providence which deter-
mincth the times before appointed, and the bounds
of our habitation.
The Judge's lady was a person of more than ordi-
nary parts and wisdom, in piety inferior to few, but
in learning superior to most of her sex, which I could
give instances of from what I find among Mr. Henry's
papers, « particularly an elegy she made upon the
death of the famous Mr. John Selden,' who was her
great friend.
This was the lady whose agency first brought Mr.
Henry into this country. She wrote to a friend of
hers, Mr. Francis Palmer, « student of Christ-church,
to desire him to recommend to her a young man to
be in her family, and to take the oversight of her
sons, some of whom were now ready for the Univer-
sity, and to preach at Worthenbury on the Lord's
days, for which a very honourable encouragement •*
was promised. Mr. Palmer proposed it to his friend
Mr. Henry, who was willing for one half-year to
undertake it, provided it might be required of him
to preach but once on the Lord's day, and that some
other supply might be got for the other part of the
day, he being now but twenty-two years of age, and
newly entered upon that great work. Provided also,
that he should be engaged but for half a year, as
little intending to break off so soon from an acade-
mical life, which he delighted in so much. But
preferring usefulness before his own private satis-
faction, he was willing to make trial for a while in
the country, as one that sought not his own things,
but the things of Jesus Christ, to whose service in
the work of the ministry he had entirely devoted
himself, bending his studies wholly that way. [One
e See Leiand, «/ nprot v. 5. p. 30.
d Sir John Trevor, the Speaker, being Tather-in-law to Sir Roger
PulestoD, the Patron. Life. Orig. MS. wttwpra.
• See Mr. Orme's Life or Dr. Owen. App. p. 511.
t John Selden, Esq. was bom Dec. 16. 1584. He died Nbv. 30,
1654. Mr. Chalmer's Biog. Diet. v. 27, p. 317.
ff Probably the same person who contributed a copy of veraet
when the poems of William Cartwright, " the most. noted poet,
orator, and philosopher, of his time," were " uxher'd into the
world," A- D. Ifl5i. oct. See Wood's Ath. Oxon. ▼. a p. 70. «/
ntpra.
h My diet, and sixty pounds per annum salary. P. Henry.
Orig. MS.
20
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
of the letters which passed on the occasion just re-
ferred to, has been prescr^'ed. It is introduced from
the hand-writing of Lady Puleston, and the ortho-
g^phy correctly transcribed. It illustrates in some
measure the nature of Mr. Henry's inquiries, and
furnishes a pleasing corroboration of the character
already given of its excellent writer.
19th Sept. 1663.
Cosin Palmer,
Y* Messeng' w*^*" brought mee a
lett' fro y" brought y* judg one also fro his Nephew,
Mr. Hamlet Puleston. But no motio of a Schoolm\
However I rely so much on y' choice of y* gent'"
pposed, y* thers' no need to trouble Mr. H. Puleston.
I am content to abate one of y* sermons, hoping hee
will pray in y* family, insteed thereof, w^** is so easy
to a Christia y* bee's rather lead then drawn therto,
and if y* expositions of chapters or Psalmes bee
easyer to him then preaching, I shal like it (as ever
I have done) bett' then y* other. Im* confident wee
shall not differ heerin ffor I shall eyther wait ffor y*
guifts and calling of God in him (w^** are w'^out re-
pentance) or wholly indulg him ffro y* fformalities
of preaching, praying, &c as some use y" please
to send him away ffor y* half yeer ffro y« time hee
comes till 26 weekes be complcat : his allowance
shall be half y* revenue pposd, and other accomo-
dations mentiond formerly. This time of probatio
will conclude us eyther on a ffarther time, or repayr-
ing to Oxford at Spring.
Please to keeep y* letter
as an evidence of our bargain. I have delivered y*
Bearer 6/. ffor y* Gentleman in part of y* first quar-
teridg. what y« charge of y* journey takes out of it
I will supply at y« quarters end when I pay y* rest
to make out 15/. I have sent a horse and a ffootman
to wait on him hither. Mr. Roberts is grown a
worthy Christian and I greatly value him. if y"
have a mind to see what works God hath done in
him, y" shall finde him at one Mr. Courtneys Lodg-
ing in Milbanck neer Tuttle-Ficlds. God can doo
as much ffor Mr. Henry y" know< I pray y" hasten
him hyther.
If pleas God to give success to y** endeavours I
shal bee glad. I wish y* Gentlem" to take his jour-
ney on Fryday, and rest at my sister Grayes on
Lord's day so hee nmy bee at Emral on Munday
night. I desire a good-journey, ffrancis Palmer
(Juni.) & Tremcli.*) notes upon y* Bible I desire y"
to seA'd mee. & y« Bible in Greek, w*^** y*" learned
ffriends, Septuagint,, translated ffor Ptolomy.
1 Intending, by this playful compliment, the version of Francis
JunitM and Immanuel Tremcllius, flrat published in 1575.
'^Orfg'.MS. ^
^ On Jemrtng Brougbton I took the road towards Bingor. On I v. \. p. 297. Sec Lelaud, tt/nrp'w, v. 5. pp. 32, 83.
I thank y** ffor y' respect and shal ever rest
Y' welwishing Cosin
Elizabeth Puleston.
If y" will come see how wee thrive y" shal bee
welcome. My Roger Puleston love to y" & so y«
rest
To my much-respected
Kinsman Mr. Francis Palmer
a Master of Arts
at Christ's Church in Oxford,
or in his absence to one Mr. Henry
Master of Art & of y« same
House. ']
In the latter part of his time at Oxford, as one
grown weary of that which he used to say he found
little to his purpose ; he employed his time mostly
in searching the Scriptures, and collecting useful
Scripture observations, which he made very fa-
miliar to him, and with which he was thoroughly
furnished for this good work. He got a Bible inter-
leaved, in which he wrote short notes upon texts of
Scripture as they occurred. He would often say, — I
read other books, that I may be the better able to un-
derstand the Scripture.
It was a stock of Scripture knowledge that he set
up with, and with that he traded to good advantage.
Though he was so great a master in the eloquence of
Cicero, yet he preferred far before it that of Apollos,
who was an eloquent man^ and mighty in the Scrips
tures. Acts xviii. 24.
He bid very fair at that time for University-pre-
ferment, such was the reputation he had got at the
late act, and such his interest in Dr. Owen ; but the
salvation of souls was that which his heart was upon,
to whiph he postponed all his other interests.
In September, 1653, ho came down to Emeral,'
from whence a messenger was sent on purpose to
Oxford to conduct him thither. Long after, when it
had pleased God to settle him in that country, and
to build him up into a family, he would often reflect
upon his coming into it first ; what a stranger he then
was, and how far it was from his thoughts ever to
have made his home in those parts ; and, passing
over the brook that parts between Flintshire and
Shropshire, would sometimes very affectionately use
that word of Jacob's — With my staff I passed over
this Jordan, and now I am become two bands.
At Emeral he prayed in the family, was tutor to
the young gentlemen, and preached once a day at
Worthenbury, other help being procured for the
other part of the day, according to his request, out
of a fear, being so young, to take the whole work
the right lies Emral Hall, the seat of the Pulestons ; a family set-
tled here in the time of Edward L but which took its name from
Pulesdon, a township in Shropshire. Pennant's Tours in Wales,
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
21
ipon him. Bat it soon happened, that one Lord's
dty the supply that was expected failed ; and so he
was necessitated, rather than there should be a
facancy, to preach twice, in which he found the pro-
mise so well fulfilled, A$ thy day is, so shall thy
strength he ; and. To him that hath (i. e. that hath,
and uscth what he hath) shall be yiven, and he shall
have ahund&nee ; that, to tlic great satisfaction of his
friends there, from thenceforward he waved looking
out for other help than what came from above, and
would sometimes speak of this as an instance, that
we do not know what we can do, till we have tried.
Here he applied himself to a plain *" and practical
way of preaching, as one truly concerned for the
iCNils of those he spoke to. He would say sometimes,
—We study how to speak that you may understand
■• ; and, I never think I can speak plain enough
when I am speaking about souls and their salvation.
I hare heard him say, he thought it did him good,
that for the first half year of his being at Worthen-
buiy, he had few or no books with him, which en-
figed him in studying sermons to a closer search of
tke Scripture and his own heart. What success his
labours had in that parish, which, before he came to
h, I have been told, was accounted one of the most
hMMe and profane places in all the country, may be
gathered from a letter of the lady Puleston's to him,
at the end of the first half year after his coming to
Emeral, when he was uncertain of his continuance
there, and inclinable to return to settle at Christ-
church. Take the letter at large.
Dear Mr. Henry ;
The indisposition that my sadness hath
brrd, and the stay of Mrs. V . here yesterday, hinder-
ed my answering your last expressions. As to order-
ing the conversation, and persevering to the practice
of those good intents, taken up while one is in pur-
nit of a mercy, you and I will confer, as God g^vcs
opportunity, who also must g^ve the will and the
deed, by his Spirit, and by the rule of his word.
As to begging ^at one thing for you, God forbid,
as Samuel said, that / should cease to pray^ &c.
Tliis I am sure, that having wanted hitherto a good
■Jnister of the word among us, I have oft by prayer,
and some tears, above five years besought God for
such a one as yourself ; which, having obtained, I
cannot yet despair, seeing he hath given us the good
SMans, but he may also give us the good end. And
this I find, that your audience is increased three for
• Let yovr pmctiing l»e plain. Painted glnss is most curious ;
pfaioglasMiiKMtpenpicuoiiSL Be a good crucifix to your people.
Preftck a cracifled Saviour In a crucified style. Paul taught so
plainly, ttait the Coriothians fbougtit him a dunce. Let your
mstter be sobolaotia] ; whoksome food ; God and Christ, and the
tPNpel. fuMk, repentance, regeneration. Aim purely at God's
glory and tbe sahntioa of souls. Study, as if there were no Christ ;
pleach, as ittken had been no study. Preach phiinly, yet with
Mwelty t preacb pMnerfoUy, as Wcah^—at Pisnf. In iatenshn of /
one in the parish, though in winter more than for-
merly in summer ; and five for one out of other
places. And I have neither heard of tlieir being in
the ale-house on our Lord's day, nor ball-playing
that day, which, before you came, was frequent, ex-
cept that day that young Ch. preached. I think I
can name four or five in the parish, that of formal
Christians are becoming or become real. But you
know all are not wrought on at first, by tlic word.
Some come in no misfortune like other men, and
this is the cause they be so holdcn with pride, &c.
Hypocrites also have converted conversion itself.
Yet God may have reserved those that have not
bowed the hnee to Baal, &c. and may call them at
the latter part of the day, though not in this half
year. It is a good sign, most arc loth to part with
you ; and you have done more good in this half
year, than I have discerned these eighteen years.
But, however, whether they will hear, or whether
they will forbear, you have delivered your own soul.
I have prayed, and do pray, seeing God hath sent
you, that you may be for his glory, and not for our
condemnation.
It is easy to imagine what an encouragement this
was to him, thus at his first setting out to see of the
travail of his soul, and what an inducement it was
to him not to leave those among whom God had thus
owned him. However, that spring he returned to
Oxford. The Lady Puleston soon after came to
him thither, with her five sous, of whom she placed
the two eldest under his charge in the college. In
the following vacation he went to London to visit
his relations there ; and there, in October he received
a letter from Judge Puleston, with a very solemn
and afiectionate request, subscribed by the parish-
ioners of Worthenbury, earnestly desiring his settle-
ment among them, as their minister, which he was
persuaded to comply with, having fixed to himself
that good rule,-~In the turns of his life, to follow
Providence, and not to force it. So, in the winter
following he came down again, and settled with
them. He continued in his student's place in Christ-
church for two or three years, attending the service
of it once a year ; but disposing of most of the profit
of it for the use of poor scholars there.
The tithe of Worthenbury belonged to [the] Emeral
family, paying some rent to the Rector of Bangor.
This tithe Judge Puleston was willing to give, clear
of that charge, to the minister of Worthenbury for
spirit, not extension of voice. To this end get your sermon into*
your own souls. It is best, from the heart, to the heart Preadi
prudentially,— as stewards, to give each their portion. Get your
sermons memoriter. How can you expect your people should
remember, and repeat, if you read! Yet use caution. Our me.
mories are not of brass,— they are cracked, in all, by the ftdl. Be-
ware of giving occasion to say,— I tna^ a\«y %,X.\vou\it\Ti>2R!t %k^«-
Jioon ; I shall hear only the same song. ^t. Vox\eT ax v&Qit^'Oi&-
tlon. Prom a MS. in the hand-wnUnti o«?. Htws.
23
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY-
ever. But such was the peculiar and extraordinary
kindness he had for Mr. Henry, upon the experience
of his inerits, that he chose rather by deed of inden-
ture, bearing date October 6, 1655, between himself
and Mr. Henry, — ''In consideration of his being
pleased to undertake the cure of souls, and to preach
and teach, and perform other duties of divine service
in the parish church of Worthenbury, (so the deed
runs,) to give, grant, and confirm for himself and his
heirs, unto the said Philip Henry, the yearly rent of
one hundred pounds, charged upon all his mes-
suages, lands, and tenements in the several counties
of Flint, Denbigh, and Chester, to be paid quarterly,
until such times as the said Philip Henry shall be
promoted or preferred to some other spiritual or ec-
clesiastical living or preferment, with power of dis-
tress in case of non-payment.'' A hundred a year
was more than Worthenbury tithes were worth at
that time ; and the manner of the gift freed the
maintenance from much of that loss and incum-
brance which commonly attends the gathering of tithe.
[About this period, judging from the hand-writing
of the following letter, addressed to a friend at Ox-
ford, (no doubt Dr. Owen, who was then Dean of
Christ-church, and Vice-Chancellor,") he received a
summons to that city, which led him to add the post-
script. But as the letter furnishes an illustration of
Mr. Henry's character as a young minister, the whole
may be here fitly introduced.
Most honoured Sir ;
Being importuned to improve my interest
for the supply of a vacant curacy in these parts, I
make bold to acquaint you with the state of it, that,
if you know of any, either in your own college or
elsewhere, that is willing to accept of it, you would
please to be instrumental in sending him hither.
The place is called Holt ; it is in Denbighshire,
but I think a man may throw a stone out of it into
Cheshire ; it is distant from Wrexham about three
miles, and from Chester five ; the situation of it
for convenience is beyond exception ; there are but
few such hereabouts, only the salary, I fear, may
appear somewhat too small to come so far for. It is
as yet, upon certainty, but £45 per annum, but it is
probable may be made, ere long, £65, paid in
money, and no deductions out of it for taxes; for
the place of his abode, if he be a single man, the
Major of the town, a very godly person, hath pro-
mised it in his own house, till such time care be taken
to provide for him otherwise. For his qualifications.
Sir, he must, in a judgment of charity, be one that
fears God, in regard he comes, not to a place that
never heard of Christ, (as many such there be in
B Le Neve, pp. 231, 4ri6. fol. 1716.
*» P. Henry. Orig. MS.
P Use catechising. Heretofore, catechising justled out preach-
/i7^/ a0§r, preaching juMtJea out catecbiaing. Let the ship be
Wales,) but to a knot of eminent, discerning Chris*
tians, scarce the like anywhere hereabouts, among
whom there are divers able, indeed, to be themselves
teachers of others ; so that if he himself be one that
hath no savour of the things of God, he will be no
way acceptable or useful there. He must, moreover,
be either fitted already for the administration of the
ordinances, or in a capacity of being suddenly fitted ;
if he make haste hither, he may have an opportunity
shortly of being ordained here in Shropshire.
Sir, if God, the Lord of the harvest, shall make
use of you in his providence, as an instrument of
thrusting forth a faithful labourer into this comer of
his vineyard, I no way doubt but you will be often
mentioned by some of them with rejoicing at the
throne of grace, and that you, yourself, when you
shall have reaped the fruit of their prayers, will
bless God for putting such a prize into your hands.
Sir, craving your pardon for my boldness in
troubling you, I leave the matter with your care»
and yourself, and all your relations and concern-
ments, with our ever good God.
Your Servant very much obliged,
P. H.
Sir, since my purpose of writing to you about the
business above mentioned, I have received infor-
mation from Christ-church of a summons to appear
personally there, before Michaelmas Term : where-
upon my request to you is, that by a line or two you
would please to acquaint me, whether I may not ob-
tain to be dispensed with. 1. In regard I was so
lately there. 2. In regard of the great distance I
am now at from thence ; above fourscore miles. 3.
Of the unusual unseasonableness of the ways and
weather ; and 4. Which is most of all, my very great
indisposedness in point of health. If I may be ex-
cused, I would entreat you. Sir, to endeavour it for
me ; if not, that you would please to send me word,
—1. Whether it will not ser\'e if I come sooner : and
2. How long it will be required that I make my stay
there. Sir, I have more reason to beg your pardon
for this latter trouble than the former.**]
He still continued for some years in the Emeral
family, where he laid out himself very much for the
spiritual good of the family, even of the meanest of
the servants, by catechising, p repeating the sermons,
and personal instruction, and he had very much
comfort in the countenance and conversation of the
judge and his lady. Yet he complains sometimes
in his diary of the snares and temptations that he
found in his way there, especially because some of
the branches of the family, who did not patrizare,
ballasted with Tundamental truths. Hearers win then not be so
easily whirled about with every wind. Luther was caJled— ^w-
eipuliu eattekitmi. Mr. Porter, 1659. From a MS. in -P. Henry's
hand-writing.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
03
were uneasy at his being there, which made him
willing to remove to a house of his own ; which,
when Jndge Pnleston perceived, in the year 1657,
out of his abundant and continued kindness to him,
lie did, at bis own proper cost and charges, build
kim a very handsome house in Worthenbury, and
settled it upon him by a lease, bearing date March
6, 1657, for threescore years, if he should so long
continue minister at Worthenbury, and not accept
of better preferment
He hath noted in his diary, that the very day that
tlie workmen began the building of that house, Mr.
Mainwaring, of Malpas, i preached the lecture at
Bangor, from Psalm cxxvii. 1. Except the Lord
hdld ike k4nue/ they labour in vain that build it. —
There never was truth, saith he, more seasonable to
any than this was to me. It was a word upon the
wheels.* He hath recorded it as his great care,
that his affections might be kept loose from it, and
that it might not encroach upon God's interest in his
heaaU When it was finished, he thus writes :— I do
from my heart bless God, that no hurt or harm befell
any of the workmen in the building of it.
Thus was his maintenance settled at Worthenbury.
In the year 1659, he was, by a writing of Judge
Poleston's, collated, nominated, and presented, to
the church of Worthenbury ; and, the powers that
then were having so appointed, he had an appro-
bation thereof from the commissioners for approba-
tion of public preachers.
Some little opposition was made to his settlement
St Worthenbury by Mr. Fogg, * then Rector of Ban-
gor, because he conceived it an intrenchmcnt upon
bis right to Worthenbury, and thought it might pre-
judice his recovering of it by course of law. I only
mention this for the sake of the note he hath upon it
in his diary, which is this :— I do earnestly desire
that the Judge may give Mr. Fogg all reasonable
satisfaction, that there may be no appearance of
wrong to him, or any other, in this thing. And when
Mr. Fogg insisted upon it, that he would have Mr.
Henry g^ve it under his hand, that he desired the
consent of the said Mr. Fogg to be minister of Wor-
thenbury, he yielded to do it for peace sake ; and
horn thenceforward there was an intimate and entire
friend^up between Mr. Fogg and him.
Being thus settled at Worthenburj', his next care
^ See Dr. Towu»on*8 Works, v. 1. p. xis. tit njn-at and Ormerod's
HiiL orCbcahire, v. ii. p. 328, kc.
w Mr. Henry bas the roUowing DOtes on this passage :—
The imut : that ia» the fiunily. BrnUd ; that is, constitute, main.
tstii, presenre, aogment. ir we would have God to build our
hottsea, we nrast be carefal to build Ood*s house by caring for his
wontaip. ofdtnaoces, ioteresta Hag. i. 9. ii. 18. 2 Sam. vii.— ; to
ahn at hit glory in oar buildings, not at self, as Nebuchadnezzar,
Dao. !▼. 30 :— ^ boild In faith, relying upon the promises, Heb.
sis, lOr-iB the fear of God, Exod. i. 21; in righteousness and
koocMy. Prov. x. SS. Hab. ii. IS.— We tnust fetch in God by prayer,
aadkeepfaiaithcrehyfimilydaties, Josh.xxiy. 15. Ps.ci. Grig.
was touching ordination to the work of the ministry,
to which he would see his call very clear, before he
solemnly devoted himself to it. And though after-
wards in the reflection, especially when he was
silenced, it was some trouble to him, that he had so
long deferred to be ordained, (and he would often,
from the consideration of that, press those who in-
tended the ministry, not to put it off,) yet, as the
times then were, there was something of a reason
for it.
The nearest acting class of presbytery, was in the
Hundred of Bradford North, in Shropshire, wherein
Mr. Porter, of Whitchurch, was the leading man, of
whom Mr. Baxter " gives so high a character in his
Life, part 3, page 94, and who was one of those whom
he recommended to the Lord Chancellor, as fit to be
made a Bishop, part 2, page 283. This class was
constituted by ordinance of parliament, in April,
1647 ; the members of it then, were the aforesaid
Mr. Porter, Mr. Boughy, of Hodnet, Mr. Houghton,
of Prees, Mr. Parsons, ' of Wcm, and Mr. John
Bisby ;» and afterwards Mr. Maiden, « of Newport,
Mr. Binney, of Ightfield, and Mr. Steel, of Hanmery
though in Flintshire, were taken in to them, and
acted with them. This class in twelve years' time
publicly ordained sixty-three ministers. Mr. Henry
was very desirous to have been ordained at Wor-
thenbury, plebe prasente^ which he thought most
agreeable to the intention, but the ministers were
not willing to set such a precedent. However, that
was one thing which occasioned the delay, so that
he was not ordained till September 16, 1G57.
The way and manner of his ordination was ac-
cording to the known directory of the Assembly of
Divines, and the common usage of the Presbyterians ;
and yet, he having left among his papers a pr.rticular
account of that solemnity, and some of the workings
of his soul towards God in it ; I hope it may be of
some use both for instruction and quickening to
ministers, and for the information of such as are
perhaps wholly strangers to such a thing, to give
some account of the whole transaction.
He made addresses to the presbyter>', in order to
his ordination, July 6, tit Precs, when he submitted
to trial, and inquiry was made, in the first place,
concerning hLs experience of the work of grace in
his heart ; in answer tp which he gave a reason of
• " A word, fitly spoken, is lilce apples of gold in pictures of sil-
ver i" Prov. XXV. IL or. as the Hebrew hath it,—" A word spoken
upon Mt whteU : " that is, rightly ordered, placed, and circumstanced.
Brooks's Arke for all God's Noahs, £p. Ded. p. 1. duod. 1662. See,
also, Jer. xviii. 3.
c See the Noncon. Mero. v. iii. p. 480, &c.
v See Reliquia Baxterians, or, Mr. R. Baxter's Narrative of the
most Memorable Passages of his Life and Times. Fol. 1696.
V See the Noncon. Mem. v. iii. p. 163.
V Minister of Edstaston, in Shropshire. Wood's Ath. Oxon. v.
4. p. 640. «/ npra. Walker mentions him as a Prebend. oC ?\^
Minor, aliai Prees. Suff. of the C\eT%Y,PMl W v- ^'^•
X See the Noncon. Mem. v. \U. p. \4&;
d4
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
the hope that was in him, with meehness and fear ;
that the Spirit of grace had been dealing with him
when he was young; and, he hoped, had discovered
to him his need of Christ, and had bowed his will in
some measure to close with him upon his own terms,
&c. His skill in the original languages of the Scrip-
ture was then tried ; and he read and construed two
verses in the Hebrew Bible, and two in the Greek
Testament. He was then examined in Log^c and
Natural Philosophy ; next in Divinity, what authors
he had read, and what knowledge he had, touching
the mediation of Christ, &c. And his skill in the
Scripture was tried, by propounding to him a diffi-
cult text to give his sense of; a case of conscience
was also put to him to be resolved, an inquiry made
into his acquaintance with church-history. Lastly,
a question was given him to provide a thesis upon
against next meeting, which was this ; Anproviden-
tia Divina extendat se ad omnia ? Aff, On this ques-
tion he exhibited his thesis, August 3, and defended
it. Sevcraf of the ministers opposed, and Mr. Por-
ter moderated. He then produced two certificates,
which he left with the register of the class, one from
Oxford, subscribed by Dr. Wilkinson,^' Dr. Langley,'
&c. the other from the neighbouring ministers, Mr.
Steel, Mr. Fogg, &c. both testifying of his conversa-
tion, &c. *' The Lord forgive me,'' saith he, in his diary,
upon this, '' that it hath not been more exemplary,
as it ought, for piety and industry. Amen, Lord in
Christ." The day for ordination was appointed to
be September 16, at Prees,* of which notice was
given at Worthenbury by a paper, read in the church,
and afterwards affixed to the church door the Lord's
day before, signifying also, " That, if any one could
produce any just exceptions against the doctrine or
life of the said Mr. Henry, or any sufficient reason
why he might not be ordained, they should certify
the same to the classis, or the scribe, and it should
be heard and considered." ^
On the day of ordination there was a very g^at
assembly gadiered together. Mr. Porter began the
public work of the day with prayer, then Mr. Par-
sons preached on 1 Timothy i. 12. / thanh Christ
Jesus f who hath enabled me, for that he counted me
faithful, putting me into the ministry. Putting men
into the ministry is the work of Jesus Christ. After
sermon, Mr. Parsons, according to the usual method,
required of him a confession of his faith, which he
made as follows :
The ground and rule of my faith
s Pet i. 21. towards God, is the Scriptures of the
Old and New Testament I believe
they were written by holy men, inune-
diately inspired by the Holy Ghost;
7 Nat 1602 ; Ob. June, 1675. Wood's Ath. Oxon. W tupra, ▼. 3.
p. 1038.
■ Ob. Sept. 1679. Wood's Fasti, nl mtfra, ▼. 4. pp. 113. 147.
2 Tim. iii. 1&
Heb. XL 6.
1 John V. 7.
John i. I&
John iv. %
John Y. 26.
John i. 3.
having found the efficacy of them, in
some measure, upon my own heart, I
believe they are further able to make
me wise to salvation.
Concerning God, I believe that he is,
and that he is the Rewarder of those
that diligently seek him.
The Trinity of Persons in the Unity
of the Godhead, I receive and own as
a truth, I admire and adore as a
mystery; though no man hath seen
God at any time, yet the only-begotten
Son, which is in the bosom of the Fa-
ther, he hath declared him ; and what
he hath declared concerning him, that
I believe. I believe that God is a Spirit,
for the Son hath said, '' God is a Spirit"
I believe that he hath life in himself,
and that he hath given to the Son to
have life in himself. I believe all
things were made by him, and without
him was not any thing made that was
made. I believe by his providence he
preserves, guides, and governs, all the
creatures, according to the purpose of
his own will, to his own glory ; for the
Father worketh hitherto, and the Son
also worketh.
I believe he made man upright, after
his own image and likeness,which image
consisted in knowledge, righteousness,
and true holiness; but man, by sin,
lost it.
I believe we were all in the loins of
our first parents, and that they stood
and fell as public persons, and upon
that account justly, without any colour
of wrong, we bear our share, both in
the guilt of their disobedience, and
also the corruption of nature following
thereupon ; so that we came into the
world children of wrath, and heirs of
the curse, one, as well as another;
enemies to God, hating him, and hated
of him : averse to what is good, and
prone to all manner of evil. Though
all arc bom in this condition, yet there
are some that do not die in it.
I believe there is a Mediator, and
there is but one Mediator between God
and men, the Man Christ Jesus. Those
whom the Father hath from everlasting
pitched his love upon, and g^ven to
Christ, not because of works or faith
foreseen, but mereljir of his free g^ce ;
• A small village in the Hundred of North Bradford, Salop,
five miles from Whitchurch, and about four from Wem.
b Appendix, No. IV.
John V. 17.
Eccles. vii 29.
Gen. i. 26.
Ck>los5. iii. 10.
Ephet. iv. 24
Psalm n. 5.
Ephes. ii a
Zech. xi. a
Rom. vii. U).
Gen. vi. 5.
1 Tim. il. 5.
Ephea. i. 4, 5.
THE LIFE OF MK. PHILIP HENRY.
26
}
▼. IL for those I believe Christ was sent forth
QU. It. 4. into the world, made of a woman, made
JoboxviLW. under the law; for their sakes he sane-
ndi. it 8. tified himself, and became obedient to
death, even the death of the cross;
wherefore God also highly exalted
EpiL L 90» 2L him ; and having raised him from the
dead on the third day, set him at his
Btb. vii. *s. own right hand, where he ever lives to
Mm rviL 9. make intercession for those for whom
he shed his blood. All these elect re-
BoBLTiiLao. deemed ones, I believe, are, in due
1 Cor. vL iL time, sooner or later, in their lives,
effectnally called, washed, sanctified,
justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus,
and by the Spirit of our God.
Bon. V. L I believe the righteousness of Christ
alone, apprehended by faith, is the
matter of our justification before God ;
Pi cxliiL 9. and that no flesh can stand in his sight
Jcr. zziiLe. upon any other terms, for he is the
ihtt. iiL n. Lord our Righteousness, and in him
only the Father is well pleased.
Root XV. 1& I believe the work of sanctification,
managed by the Spirit, who dwellcth
in us, though, in respect of parts, it be
Colo*. hL II. complete, for the whole man is renew-
ed ; yet, in respect of degrees, it is not
1 Cor xilL 9. 10. fully perfected till we come to glory ;
and I believe all that are justified shall
be glorified ; for we are kept by the
1 Pet i. &. power of God, through faith, unto sal-
vation.
Ep^M- >^- iL I believe the gathering in, and build-
ing up, of saints, is the special end
why pastors and teachers are appointed
Halt xxviii. 90. in the church ; and that Jesus Christ,
according to his promise, will be with
them, in that work, to the end of the
world.
Saa.iv.lL The two Sacraments of the New
Testament, Baptism and the Lord's
Supper, I receive and own as signs
ibtL xxviii 19. and seals of the covenant of g^ace ; the
toa. Tt 7. former instituted by our Lord Jesus,
Acts u. m as a sign and seal of our ingrafting
Um. xxvi. 10. into him, due of right, to all the in-
fants of believing parents, and but
once to be administered ; the other in-
stituted by our Lord Jesus in the night
c Tkit coo^emon Mr. Orion recommends as a " good model.'*
liis Lettcn to Dissenting Ministers, v. 2. p. 37. •
Tlie History of Mr. Henry*s Ordination can scarcely be dismissed
vitlwat adv«tiiif to an edition of his Life, of recent date, and,
proieasedly, ''corrected and improved," by Samuel Taylor:
printed by T. Cordcux, 1818 ; in which performance a considerable
psrt of Ms confcssioii of flutb is omitted, or misstated. The fbllow-
ing fipJaiMtion of the liboty thus taken is indeed given ; *' It is
Joitiec to acknowledge that Mr. Heory wbs.
wherein he was betrayed, to show forth * Cof **• 26.
his death, and to seal the benefits
purchased thereby to his church and
people, and to be often repeated.
When the body returns to the dust, Eccles. xii. 7.
I believe the soul returns to God that
gave it ; and that immediately it re- Matt. xxy. 34,
ceives from him the sentence, accord- 41.
ing to what hath been done in the
flesh, either, " Come, inherit the king-
dom ; " or, " Depart, accursed, into
everlasting fire."
I believe, besides this, a day of AcUxvii. 3L
general judgment in the end of the
world, wherein we must all appear be-
fore the tribunal of Jesus Christ ; and
that our bodies being raised, by an * Cor. v. lo.
almighty power, from the dust, shall
be united to the same souls again,
and shall partake with them, in the
same condition, either of happiness i Cor. xv. 42.
or misery, to all eternity. Those that
have done good, shall come forth unto
the resurrection of life, and those that Jobn v. 90.
have done evil to the resurrection of
damnation.
This is the sum and substance of my
faith, into which I was baptized,
and in which, by the grace of God,
I will live and die.'
Mr. Parsons then proposed certain questions to
him, according to the instructions in the Directory,
to which he returned answer, as followeth :
Question 1. What are your ends in vndei'takxng
the work and calling of a minister f
Answer. As far as upon search and inquiry I can
hitherto find, though there be that within mc that
would seek great things for myself, (if indeed they
were to be found in this calling,) yet with my mind
I seek them not. But the improvement of the talent
which I have received in the service of the gospel,
for the glory of God, and the salvation of souls, I
hope, is in my eye ; if there be any thing else, I own
it not, I allow it not. While so many seek their own,
it is my desire, and shall be my endeavour, to seek
the things of Jesus Christ.
Question 2. What are your purposes, as to cft'/t-
yence and industry, in this calling y
Answer. I do purpose and resolve, by the help of
in theory, a Calvinist. and that he subscribed the doctrine of
election, &c. in the Calvinistic sense. The editor, however, has
left out that part of the confession, believing the omission will
prove no injury to the cause of vital Christianity." p. 3B.
How the concluding sentence of the confession could still ob-
tain a place, is submitted to the reader's judgment — ThU it thttwm
and tubttanet of ny faitk.
In attempts of this de8cripl\oti, Wvtie \^ Vo «s.:) v\k« \«u9L,^TciaKc\-
fesC want of candour, %nd edUom\tl^t\\l^.
26
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
God, to g^YO myself '* wholly" to these things ; to
prayer, reading, meditation, instant preaching, in
season and out of season, wherein I shall very gladly
spend and be spent, if by any means I may both save
myself and them that hear me. And when at any
time I fail herein, I desire God, by his Spirit, and
my Christian friends, neighbours, and brethren, by
seasonable reproof and admonition, to put me in
mind of this engagement now made, in the presence
of this great congregation.
Question 3. Do you mean to be zealous and faith-
ful in the defence of truth and unity, againtt error
and schism ?
Answer. I believe what the Spirit hath foretold,
that, in the last days, perilous times shall come,
wherein men will not endure sound doctrine, but
after their own lusts shall heap unto themselves
teachers. It is my resolution, by the grace of Christ,
to watch in all things ; to contend earnestly for the
faith, to hold fast the form of sound and wholesome
words, even '' the words of our Lord Jesus, and the
doctrine which is according to godliness ;" in meek-
ness, as I am able, instructing those that oppose
themselves. And for peace and unity, if my heart
deceive me not, I shall rather choose to hazard the
loss of any thing that is most dear to me, than be any
way knowingly accessary to the disturbance of these
in the churches of Christ.
Question 4. What is your persuasion of the truth
of the Reformed Religion ?
Answer. My persuasion is, that the Bishop of
Rome is that man of sin, and son of perdition, whom
the Lord Jesus will consume with the spirit of his
mouth, and whom he will destroy by the brightness
of his coming.*^ And the separation which our first
Reformers made, I do heartily rejoice in, and bless
God for ; for had we still continued to partake with
him in his sins, we should, in the end, have partaken
with him also in his plagues.
Question 6. What do you intend to do when the
Lord shall alter your condition, and bring a family
under your charge ?
Answer. When the Lord shall please, in his Pro-
vidence, to bring me into new relations, I hope he
will give me grace to fill them up with duty ; it is
my purpose to wait upon him, and to keep his way,
to endeavour, in the use of means, that all that are
mine, may be the Lord's.
Question 6. Will you, in humility and meehness,
submit to admonition and discipline ?
Answer. I believe it to be a duty incumbent upon
all that profess the name of Christ, to watch over
one another, and that when any is '' overtaken in a
d 1686. Nov. 28. I was indisposed, yet refiresbed with the ex.
position or Rev. xi. concerning the slaying and reviving of the
two witnesses ; nay, more than that, my father told us in dis-
course, at dinner, he believed some of us young ones might live
to see the antichrist fJEai ; for he thinks it is not far off If I may
fault," those IHat are spiritual are to set him in joint*
again ** with the spirit of meekness.'^ It shall be
my endeavour, in the strength of Jesus Christ, to
walk without rebuke, and when, at any time, I step
aside, (for who is there that lives and sins not,) I
shall account the smitings of my brethren kindness,
and their wounds faithful.
Question 7. What, if troubles, persecutions, and
discouragements, arise, will you hold out to the end
notwithstanding ?
Answer. Concerning this I am very jealous over
my own heart ; and there is cause ; I find a great
want of that zeal and courage for God, which I know
is required in a minister of the gospel ; nevertheless,
I persuade myself, that '* no temptation shall befall
me, but such as is common to man ; and that God,
who is faithful, will not suffer me to be tempted
above that which I am able, but that with the temp-
tation he will also make a way to escape, that I may
be able to bear it." I promise faithfulness to the
death, but I rest not at all in my promise to God,
but in his to me ; *^ When thou goest through the
fire, and through the water, I will be with thee."
Wlien this was done, Mr. Parsons prayed ; and in
prayer he and the rest of the Presbyters, Mr. Porter,
Mr. Houghton, Mr. Maiden, and Mr. Steel, laid
their hands upon him, with words to this purpose,
" Whom we do thus in thy name set apart to the
work and office of the ministry." After him, there
were five more,' after the like previous examina-
tions and trials, professions and promises, at the
same time, in like manner, set apart to the ministry.
Then Mr. Maiden, of Newport, closed with an
exhortation, directed to the newly ordained minis-
ters, in which, saith Mr. Henry in his diary, this
word went near my heart — As the nurse puts the
meat first into her own mouth, and chews it, and
then feeds the child with it, so should ministers do
by the word, preach it over beforehand to their own
hearts ; it loses none of the viHue thereby, but rather,
probably, gains. As that milk nourishcth most
which comes warm from the breast, so that sermon
which comes warm from a warm heart. Lord,
quicken me to do thy will in this thing.
The classis gave him, and the rest, instruments in
parchment, certifying this, which it may satisfy the
curiosity of some to read the form of.
" Whereas, Mr. Philip Henry of Worthenbury,
in the Co^pty of Flint, Master of Arts, hath address-
ed himself unto us, authorized by an ordinance of
both Houses of Parliament, of the 29th of August,
not see that happy day, however, X believe it shall be. Mrs.
Savage. Diary. Orig. MS.
• Gal. vi. 1. Vid. Pol. Synop. in loe.
t Mr. Jones, of Llanarmon ; Mr. Dickins, of Morton Say ; Mr.
Bradley, of Ness ; Mr. Hall, of Newcastle ; Mr. Hanmer, of White-
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
27
1648, for the ordination of ministers, tlesiring to be
ordained a Presbyter, for that he is chosen and ap-
potntod for the work of the ministry at Worthenbury,
in the county of Flinty as by a certificate now remain-
ing with US, touching that his election and appoint-
ment, appeareth. And he having likewise exhibited
a sufficient testimonial of his diligence and profici-
ency in his studies, and unblamableness of his life
ind conversation, he hath been examined according
to the rales for examination in the said ordinance
expressed ; and thereupon approved, there being no
just exception made, nor put in, against his ordina-
tion and admission. These may therefore testify to all
[ whom it may concern, that upon the 16th day of Sep-
' tember, 1657, we have proceeded solemnly to set him
apart for the office of a Presbyter, and work of the
ministry of the gospel, by laying on of our hands with
fasting and prayer. By virtue whereof we do declare
kim to be a lawful and sufficiently authorized minister
of Jesos Christ And having good evidence of his
lawful and fair calling, not only to the work of the
ministry, but to the exercise thereof at the chapel of
Worthenbury, in the county of Flint, we do hereby
lend him thither, and actually admit him to the said
charge to perform all the offices and duties of a
faithfai pastor there ; exhorting the people, in the
name of Jesus Christ, willingly to receive and ac-
knowledge him as the minister of Christ, and to
maintain and encourage him in the execution of his
I office, that he may be able to give up such an ac-
count to Christ of their obedience to his ministry,
j as may be to his joy, and their everlasting comfort
In witness whereof, we the Presbyters of the Fourth
Class, in the County of Salop, commonly called
Bradford-North Class, have hereunto set our hands,
I this 16th day of September, in the year of our Lord
' God, 1667.
Thomas Porter, Moderator for the time,
Andrew Parsons, Minister of Wem.
Aylmar Haughton, Minister of Frees,
John Maiden, Minister of Newport,
Richard Steel, Minister of Hanmer,*' '
I hare heard it said, by those who were present at
this solemnity, that Mr. Henry did in his counte-
nance, carriage, and expression, discover such an
extraordinary seriousness and gravity, and such
deep impressions made upon his spirit, as greatly
aiected the auditory, and even struck an awe upon
them.
well QapeL P. Henry. Diary. Orig. MS. At to Mr. Hall, see the
Ncneoo. Mem. v. 1 p. 32a
ff Mr. Orton,in hit edition ofthe Life, p. 5L has here introduced
the foUowtof note.
It la icflBBilcaMe. that Mr. Steel should be likewise engaged in
the ordiaadon of hia son. Mr. Matthew Henry, almost thirty years
sftcr Ifais; vis. May 9, 1697. It was the honour of his younger I
daya to be a|>potat<d by the elaaris of MiDisteis^ one oftboee who '
Read his reflection upon it in his diary.—" Me-
thoughts I saw much of God in carrying on of the
work of this day. Oh, how good is the Lord ! he is
good, and doth good ; the remembrance of it I shall
never lose; to him be glory. I made many pro-
mises of diligence, faithfulness, &c. but I lay no
stress at all on them, but on God's promise to me,
that he will be with his ministers always to the end
of the world. Amen, Lord, so be it. Make good thy
word unto thy servant, wherein thou hast caused me
to put my trust" And in another place, — " I did this
day receive as much honour and work, as ever I shall
be able to know what to do with ; Lord Jesus, pro-
portion supplies according." Two Scriptures he de-
sired might be written in his heart, 2 Corinthians
vi. 4, 5, &c. and 2 Chronicles xxix. 11.
Two years after, upon occasion of his being present
at an ordination at Whitchurch, he thus writes : —
" This day my ordination covenants were in a special
manner renewed, as to diligence in reading, prayer,
meditation, faithfulness in preaching, admonition,
catechizing, sacraments, zeal against error and pro-
faneness, care to preserve and promote the unity and
purity of the church, notwithstanding opposition and
persecution, though to death. Lord, thou hast filled
my hands with work, fill my heart with wisdom and
grace, that I may discharge my duty to thy glory,
and my own salvation, and the salvation of those
that hear me." Amen.
Let us now see how he applied himself to his work
at Worthenbury. The sphere was narrow, too nar-
row for such a burning and shining light. There
were but forty-one communicants in that parish,
when he first set up the ordinance of the Lord's
Supper ; and they were never doubled. Yet he had
such low thoughts of himself, that he not only never
sought for a larger sphere, but would never hearken
to any overtures of that kind made to him. And
withal, he had such high thoughts of his work, and
the worth of souls, that he laid out himself with as
much diligence and vigour here, as if he had the
oversight of the greatest and most considerable parish
in the country.
The greatest part of the parish were poor tenants
and labouring husbandmen ; but the souls of such,
he used to say, are as precious as the souls of the
rich, and to be looked after accordingly. His prayer
for them was, — " Lord, despise not the day of small
things in this place, where there is some willingness,
but much weakness.'' And thus he writes upon the
Judge's settling a handsome maintenance upon him,
should lay hands on Mr. Philip Henry ; and it must be the comfort
of his advanced years, that he had the opportunity of doing the
same office for the son. This circumstance must be very pleasing
both to father and son ; and it could not be less pleasing to Mr.
Steel, that he should be employed, under Christ, in sending out
two such ministers into the ehurch ; sucha (a.V.\itT,«xi<&«a^%.v»^.
See Jong's Life of Matlb. Henry, p. «. at n^xa.
28
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
Lord, thou knowest I seek not theirs but them.''
Give me the souls."'
[An edifying instance is preserved in the following
letter. It has no date.
My dear Friend ;
I am glad to hear by your father, that God hath
been, of late, at work with your soul ; and, I hope,
it will prove the good work, which, where he once
begins, he will be sure to perform, until the day of
Jesus Christ Now I send these few lines to you
from my affectionate love, and from the true desire
which I have of your spiritual and everlasting wel-
fare, to be your remembrancer, that you be sure, by
all means, to lay a good foundation, for want of
which multitudes miscarry and come to nothing.
Now that foundation must be laid in sound convic-
tions of, and hearty contrition for, sin ; ^ you must
bethink yourself of the error of your way, in how
many things you have offended ; and who can tell,
in how many ? You must lay before you the pure,
and holy, and spiritual law of God ; and if the
conunandment came to you by the Spirit of God
working with it, as it came to Paul, Romans vii. 9.
it will make sin to revive ; and the reviving of sin,
in that manner, will be the death of all your vain
hopes and carnal confidences ; you will then change
your note, and from the Pharisee's, God, I thank
thee, I am not as other men are ; you will cry out
with the poor Publican, God, be merciful to me a
nnner ! Oh, the numberless numbers of vain thoughts,
idle words, unprofitable communications, that have
past you in any one day, the best of your days ! the
multitudes of omissions of duty to God, to man in
general, in particular relations! the multitudes of
conmiissions, whereby from time to time you have
transgressed and turned aside, in the several ages
and stages of your life, through which you have
passed ! Though you are but young, and, therefore,
free from much of that guilt which others lie under,
yet conclude, I say conclude, you have enough and
enough again, if God should enter into judgment
with you, to sink you into the bottomless pit of hell ;
and, therefore, you must enter into judgment with
yourself, and condemn yourself, and if you do it
aright, you shall not be judged of the Lord, nor
condemned with the world. Be free and full in your
confessions, and after all you must close with David's,
&c. Psalm xix. 12. '* Who can understand his
errors ? Cleanse thou me from secret faults." Let
the streams lead you to the Fountain ; see a root, a
root of bitterness in your nature, bearing gall and
wormwood in your life and actions ; and be sure lay
h See2Cor.xii. 14.
The welfore or his people was very dear to him, and lay near his
heart ; h$ nmght not thtirs, but them ; nor was his care so much to
gather in tithes as soules. The Life of Dr. Thomas Taylor, who
died A. D. 1632, prefixed to bis Works, foL UU3.
the axe to th^ and bewail that, and see an absolute
necessity of a change ; for except you be bom again
and become a new creature, that is, except a contrary
principle of grace be wrought in you to work out that
naughty principle of corruption by degrees, you
cannot enter into the kingdom of God. And here
all the creatures in heaven and earth cannot help
you ; they must each of them say, it is not hi me, it
is not in me ; they have neither a righteousness for
you wherein to stand before God for justification,
nor the power to give you for the mortifying of one
vicious habit, or for the performing of any one act
of acceptable obedience ; but, blessed be God, help
is laid for us upon one that is mighty, able to save
to the uttermost those that come unto God by him,
the only Mediator between God and Man, the Man
Christ Jesus ; ' and, therefore, by him you must go
to God. I say must, or you are undone, for there
is no other name given under heaven by which we
can be saved ; you must in the sight and sense of
your own lost and undone condition in yourself, by
reason of the guilt which lies upon you, resolve to
cast yourself upon the free grace of the gospel;
making this your only plea at the bar of his offended
justice, I have sinned, but Christ Jesus hath died,
yea, rather is risen again, and in him mercy is pro-
mised to the penitent, and therefore to me. Do not
suffer the tempter, nor your own belief, to beat you
from this plea. These will tell you, you are a great
sinner, it may be a backslider after convictions, and
that often, and, therefore, it is to no purpose ; bat
do not hearken to them ; say, faithful is he that hath
promised, and hold fast there ; say, the worse I am,
the more need I have of a Saviour, the more his
mercy will be magnified in saving me; remember
David's argument. Psalm xxv. 11. And when you
have in this manner by faith applied Christ crucified
to your soul, you are bound to believe that God doth
accept of you, that your sins are pardoned, and that
you shall not come into condemnation. And then
your next work must be to study what you shall
render, to love him that hath loved you first, and out
of love to him to forsake all sin, and to buckle to all
duty ; to read, hear, and meditate, in the word of
God, that you may know what the will of God is
concerning you, and what you ought to do ; and when
you know it, resolve to do it. You will say, I can-
not. I know you cannot, but in this also help is laid
up for you in Jesus Christ ; if you come to him
daily, as you have occasion, in the sense of your own
impotency, he will strengthen you with all might by
his Spirit in the inner man ; he will plant g^ce,
and water his own planting, and make it to grow
i See Gen. xiv.2i.
k See P. Henry's Eighteen Sermons, ut npra^ p. 200. where sin
is considered as an abomination ; and also, it. 277. where the poor
in spirit are proved to be blessed.
1 Appendix, No. V.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
29
and bring forth fruit I can do all tilings, saith Paul,
tkrough Christ strengthening me, and without him
we can do nothing. The terms of that blessed
coTenant that we are under, are, that we endeavour
to do as well as we can, aimiug at perfection ; and
wherein we come short, that we may be humbled
for it, but not discouraged, as if there were no hope
for we are m^t under the law, but under grace. "*
I am glad to hear you have those servants of the
Lord with yon, who are better able than I to be the
directors of your way in this main matter, and that
God hath given you acquaintance with them, and
an iaterest in their love and prayers, which I hope
yon do prize at a very high rate, and be sure you.do
apoo all occasions make use of them, and be guided
by them. If you have not joined in the fellowship
of the holy supper, I would you should not by any
neuis delay to do it. It is not privilege only, but
duty, commanded duty, and if you love the Lord
Jesus, how can you answer for your neglect so long
of such a gracious appointment of his, when you have
opportunity for it ? Behold, he calls you. It is one
tUng to he unworthy to come, and another thing to
eome unworthily. He that is not fit to-day, will be
less fit to-morrow. I know those that can witness,
tboogh there were treaties before between their souls
and the Ijord Jesus, in order to that blessed match,
yet the matter was never consummated, nor the knot
fally tied, " till they came to that ordinance : it is a
sealing ordinance ; God is there sealing to us, and
we sealing to him in a precious Mediator. You
cannot imagine the benefits of it, and, therefore, put
not off. So, conmiending you to God, and to the
word of his ipuce, which is able to build you up,
and to give you an inheritance amongst them that
are sanctified in Christ Jesus, I rest,
Tour truly affectionate and well-wishing friend,
Philip Henry.**]
■ Sam. vi. 4. My loul bath oft been refreshed with that sweet
word,— ^ We are not under the law, but under grace ;**— and, I
■ay mj concerning it,— It is *' all my salvation, and all my desire,
•hliougli be tboold not make my house to grow.** P. Henry.
Grig. MS.
A believer, nys Mr. Mead, is under the law for conduct, but
not for judgment ; it is the guide of his path, but not the judge
or hb state The good oT early obedience, p. 907. duod. 1683.
■ Sec ante, p. 14.
• Grig. MS.
F Appendix:, Na VI.
^ For a fall account of the conduct of such intenriews, and a
smiMry of their advantages, see Clark's lives of Eminent Di-
vines, ■/ sMprm. PreC pp. 4, 5.
t On one occasion the question being proposed. What means
sre we to one that we may get knowledge, particularly that which
is divine! Mr. Henry gave the following answer, which runiishes
a corroboiation of many statements in the volume, and will be a
directory to others who are seeking instruction :
Be eooviaced tiMU knowledge is not a matter of indlOlfrence.
See Jdm avit 3; % Tbess. i. 7, & Hos. iv. o. Isa. xxvi. 11. With,
oat knowledge there is no fhith; ignorant believing is but pre-
tvmptioo, Isa. liii. li- Labour to see thy want of knowledge,
hov. xxvi. It, 1 Car. rHi. S. Isa. xxviii. o. It is certain you can
He was in laboars more abundant to win souls ;
besides preaching he expounded the Scriptures in
order ;P catechised, and explained the catechism.
At first he took into the number of his catechumens
some that were adult, who, he found, wanted instruc-
tion ; and when he had taken what pains he thought
needful with them, he dismissed them from further
attendance, with commendation of their proficiency,
and counsel, '* to hold fast the form of sound words ;"
to be watchful against the sins of their age, and to
apply themselves to the ordinance of the Lord's
Supper, and make ready for it ; afterwards he cate-
chised none above seventeen or eighteen years of age.
He set up a monthly lecture there of two sermons,
one he himself preached, and the other his friend
Mr. Ambrose Lewis, of Wrexham, for some years.
He also kept up a monthly conference,** in private,
from house to house, in which he met with the more
knowing and judicious of the parish ; and they dis-
coursed familiarly together of the things of God, to
their mutual edification, according to the example
of the apostles, who, though they had the liberty of
public places, yet taught also from house to honse^
Acts v. 42; xx. 20. That which induced him to set
and keep up this exercise as long as he durst, which
was till August, 1600, was, that by this means he
came better to understand the state of his flock, and
so knew the better how to preach to them, and pray
for them, and they to pray one for another. If they
were in doubt about any thing relating to their souls,
that was an opportunity of getting satisfaction. It
was likewise a means of increasing knowledge,' and
love, and other graces ; and thus it abounded to a
good account.*
He was very industrious in visiting the sick, in-
structing them, and praying with them ; and in this
he would say, he aimed at the good, not only of
those that were sick, but also of their friends and
relations that were about them.
never know too much.— Be diligent and constant in the use of
ordinances. Public;— Hcbt the word preached. In hearing, be
sure observe the doctrine, which, for the most part, is very short ;
and. for the help of such whose memories are weak, given usually
in the very words of Scripture, which is taken for the text. If you
can carry away nothing else, fail not to carry away that. But
should I be speaking to you an hour about any worldly business,
you would remember a great deal more than one sentence.
Turn to proof afterwarda /^-iva/*;— Read the scriptures, or get
others to read them to you, in your Tamiliea Read those that are
most for edification. Regard not so much how many chapters you
read, as how many truths you can make up to yourselves firom
what you read. Unless where continuance of story requires, let,
ordinarily, one or two chapters at a time suffice ; and let them
be read once and again. Also, get some good books, catechisms,
kc. that contain the principles of religion. If thou canst not buy,
borrow.— Keepknowing company ; and, when you are with such,
be inquiring,— What means thisf-^not out of curiosity, but for
edification. You, who have knowlcflge, be willing to communi-
cate. You will lose nothing by it. Pray much ; especially before
hearing, reading, kc. See James i. 5. Prov. li. 3, &c. Use some
short ejaculation. Psalm cxix. is full of such. P. Henry. Orig.
MS.
• Appendix, Na VIL
30
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
He preached funeral sermons for all that were
buried there, rich and poor, old or young, or little
children ; for he looked upon it as an opportunity of
doing good. He called it,--setting in the plow of
the word, when the Providence had softened and
prepared the ground. He never took any money for
that or any other ministerial performance, besides
his stated salary, for which he thought himself
obliged to do his whole duty to them as a minister.
When he first set up the ordinance of the Lord's
Supper there, he did it with very great solemnity.
After he had endeavoured to instruct them in his
public preaching, touching the nature of that ordi-
nance, he discoursed personally with all that gave
up their names to the Lord in it, touching their
knowledge, experience, and conversation, obliged
them to observe the law of Christ, touching bro-
therly admonition in case of scandal; and gave
notice to the congregation who they were that were
admitted; adding this: ''Concerning these, and
myself, I have two things to say. 1. As to what is
past, wc have sinned. If we should say, we have
not, we should deceive ourselves, and the truth were
not in us ; and yet this withal we can say, and have
said it, some of us with tears, — ^We are grieved that
we have sinned. 2. For time to come we are
sesolved by God's grace to walk in new obedience ;
and yet seeing we are not angels, but men and wo-
men, compassed about with infirmities and tempta-
tions, it is possible we may fall ; but if we do, it is
our declared resolution to submit to admonition and
censure, according to the rule of the gospel." And
all along he took care so to manage his admissions
to that ordinance, as that the weak might not be
discouraged, and yet the ordinance might not be
profaned.^ He would tell those whom he was ne-
cessitated to debar from the ordinance for ignorance,
that he would undertake, if they were but truly
willing, they might in a week's time, by the blessing
of God upon their diligent use of means, reading,
prayer, and conference, get such a competent mea-
sure of knowledge, as to be able to discern the Lord's
body. And those that had been scandalous, if they
would but come in and declare their repentance, and
resolutions of new obedience, they should no longer
be excluded.
To give a specimen of his lively administrations
of that ordinance, let me transcribe the notes of his
exhortation at the first sacrament that ever he ad-
ministered, November 27, ISSO.*" I suppose they
are but the hints of what he enlarged more upon,
for he had always a great fluency upon such occa-
sions.
** Dearly beloved in our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, we are met together this day about the most
« Some important observations on this subject, in connexion
rr}th tht Test Act, occur in the Hist, of Dissenters, v. 4. p. 181—
/Sff.
solemn, weighty service under heaven ; we are come
to a feast, where the feast-maker is God the Father,
the provision, God the' Son, whose flesh is meat
indeed, and whose blood is drink indeed ; the guests,
a company of poor sinners, unworthy such an
honour ; the crumbs under the table were too good
for us, and yet we are admitted to taste of the pro-
vision upon the table ; and that which makes the
feast is hearty welcome. God the Father bids you
welcome ; and ten tliousand welcomes this day, to
the flesh and blood of his Son. Think you hear him
saying it to you, O believing souls. Cant. v. 1.—
JKotf, O friendM, drink, yea, drink abundantly, O ie-
loved. The end of this feast is to keep in remem-
brance the death of Christ, and our deliverance by
it, and thereby to convey spiritual nourishment and
refreshment to our souls. But withal, give mc leave
to ask you one question,— What appetite have yon
to this feast? Are you come hungering and thirsting ?
Such as have the promise, they shall be filled. He
filleth the hungry with good things, hut the rich are
sent empty away ; a honey-comb to a full soul is no
honey-comb. Canst thou say as Christ said, — With
desire I have desired to eat this ? In this ordinance
here is Christ and all his benefits exhibited to thee.
Art thou weak ? here is bread to strengthen thee.
Art thou sad ? here is wine to comfort thee. What
is it thou standest in need of ? a pardon? here it is,
sealed in blood, take it by faith, as I offer it to you
in the name of the Lord Jesus ; though thy sins have
been as scarlet, they shall be as wool, if thou be willing
and obedient. It may be, here are some that have
been drunkards, swearers, scoffers at godliness,
sabbath-breakers, and what not ; — and God hath put
it into your hearts to humble yourselves, to mourn
for and turn from all your abominations. Oh, come
hither, here is forgiveness for thee. What else is it
thou wantest? Oh, saith the poor soul, I would
have more of the spirit of grace, more power against
sin, especially my own iniquity. Why, here it is for
thee : ' from the fulness that is in Jesus Christ,
we receive, and grace for grace.* John i. 16. We
may say as David did. Psalm cviii. 7, 8. Ood hath
spoken in his holiness, and then Gilead is mine, and
Manasseh is mine. So God hath spoken in his word
sealed in his sacrament, and then Christ is mine,
pardon is mine, grace is mine, comfort mine, glory
mine ; here I have his bond to show for it. This is
to those among you, that have engaged their hearts
to approach unto God this day.
<< But if there be any come hither with a false,
unbelieving, filthy, hard heart, I do warn you seri-
ously, and with authority, in the name of Jesus
Christ, presume not to come any nearer to this sacred
ordinance.* You that live in tlie practice of any sin,
« b it not probable, this was 1657! Mr. Henry's ordination was
September IS, in that year.
T The one gnreat cause of the great flourishing of religion in the
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
31
or the omisjiion of any daty against your knowledge
and conscience ; yon that haye any malice or grudge
to any of your neighbours, leave your gift and go
yoor ways ; be reconciled to God, be reconciled to
yoor brother, and then come ! Better shame
thyself for coming so near, than damn thyself by
coming nearer. I testify to those, who say they shall
IttTC peace, thongh they go on still in their tres-
ptsses, that there is poison in the bread ; take it and
eat it at your own peril ; there is poison in the cup
too, you drink your own damnation. I wash my
kinds from the guilt of your blood. Look you to it,
on the other hand, you poor penitent souls that are
lost in yourseWes, here is a Christ to save you.
Come, O cotne, ye that are weary and heavy laden/^Sac,
It may not be amiss to transcribe also some hints
of preparation for the administering of the ordinance
of baptism,* which I find under his hand, at his first
letting out in the ministry, as follows :
"^ It is a real manifestation of the goodness and
lone of God to belieyers, that he hath not only taken
them into corenant with himself, but their seed also;
njing, / will be thy God, and the God of thy seed.
Though to be bom of such, does not necessarily
entitle infants to the spiritual mercies of the cove-
Bant, for grace doth not run in the blood. We see
the oontrary many times, even godly parents have
wicked children ; Abraham had his Ishmael, and
Isaac his Esau ; yet, questionless, it doth entitle them
to the external privileges of the covenant. The lihe
fywre muto Noah's arh, even baptism doth also now
MM MM. Noah, and all that were his, entered into
the arfc« thongh we have cause to doubt whether they
all entered into heaven. While our Lord Jesus was
here upon the earth, they brought little children to
him, and he laid his hands on them^ and blessed them ;
and said, moreover, Suffer little children to come
umio tma, and forbid them not, (there are many at this
day, that forbid little children to come to Christ,) he
adds the reason,*-for of such is the hingdom of hea-
ven. Whether it be meant of the visible church,
often so called in the gospel, or of the state of glory
IB another world ; either way it affords an argument
ior proof of infant baptism. When either parent is
ia eovenant with God, their children also are in co-
venant vrith him ; and being in covenant, they have
an nndoabted right and title to this ordinance of
fcaptSfi^ which is the seal of the covenant. So that
in the administration of this ordinance, this day, ac-
coiding to the institution of Jesus Christ, we look
wfoa yon who are the father of this child, as a per-
in eorenantwith God. How far you have dealt
.certainly, thestrictnefls used by them in their
of memben into church societies, which is fully de-
seribcd by Origen, against Celsos; who tells us, they did inquire
isto their lives and carriages, to discern their seriousness in the
of Ctsrifltiaafty duriog their being catechumens ; who
tfter tellB aa, tbay didieqnlre true repentance and reformation of
life, thai we admit them to the pertieipatioo of our mysteries
•7
unfaithfully in the covenant, is known to God and
your own conscience ; but this we know, the vows
of God are upon you ; and let every one that nameth
the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But before
we baptize your child, I am to acquaint you, in a
few words^ what we expect from you.
'' Q. (1.) Do you avouch God in Jesus Christ this
day to be your God ? See to it that this be
done in truth, and with a perfect heart. You may
tell us you do so, and you may deceive us, but God
is not mocked. Q. (2.) And is it your desire, that
your children also may be received into covenant
with the Lord, and that the Lord's broad-seal of bap-
tism may be set to it ? Q. (3.) And do you promise
in the presence of God, and of this congregation, that
you will do your endeavour towards the training of
it up in the way of godliness, that as it is by you,
through mercy, that it lives the life of nature, so it
may by you also, through the same mercy, live the
life of grace ? Else I must tell you, if you be wanting
herein, there will be a sad appearance one day, when
you shall meet together before the judgment-seat of
Christ, and this solemn engagement of yours will
be brought in to witness against you."
These were but the first instances of his skil ful-
ness in dispensing the mysteries of the kingdom of
God. He declined the private administration of the
Lord's Supper to sick persons, as judging it not
consonant to the rule and intention of the ordinance.
He very rarely, if ever, baptized in private; but
would have children brought to the solemn assembly
upon the Lord's day, that the parent*s engagement
might have the more witnesses to it, and the child
the more prayers put up for it, and that the congre-
gation might be edified. And yet he would say,
there was some inconvenience in it too, unless peo-
ple would agree to put off the feasting part of the
Solemnity to some other time, which he very much
persuaded his friends to ; and observed, that Abra-
ham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was
weaned, (Genesis xxi. 8.) not the same day that he
was circumcised.
His carriage towards the people of his parish was
very exemplary ; condescending to the meanest, and
conversing familiarly with them : bearing with the
infirmities of the weak, and becoming all things to
all men.
[Weak Christians, he remarks, have infirmities :
but infirmity supposes life, and all who are alive to
God have an inward sense of sin, and their own lost
condition, by reason of it,— they heartily close with
Christ upon gospel terms for pardon and peace, —
Irenlcum, by Edward Stillingflect, afterwards Bishop of Worcester.
4to. 1661. pp. 134, 135.
w Mr. Matthew Henry left in manuscript a Treatise on Baptism.
It was abridged and published by the Rev. Thomas Robins in 1783.
The reader will ftnd many extracts from \1 \tv " kTvWv»AsJ^V^^«^
Examined," by the late Dt. EdwaTd N^WWania. ^o\. V\. t^- ^. *^
1789. See also Orton'i Letters lo D\aaftTvlVi!k%»xvNA«v^ • >i!v.^. «i
32
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
and have unfeigned desires and endeavours to walk
in the way of God's commandments. But such are,
oftentimes, very dull of apprehension in spiritual
things, Matthew xv. 16. Hebrews v. 11, 12. They
are often peevish and froward, inexpert, unskilful in
duty, and apt to envy, and judge, and censure, being
unacquainted with the extent of Christian liberty in
indifferent things. They arc often fainting in adver-
sity, much taken with earthly things, easily disquieted
and cast down, and frequently questioning the love
of God. We must not, however, despise them,
Romans xiv. 3. Zechariah iv. 10.— not in heart,
word, or carriage. We must rather deny ourselves
than offend them. Romans xiv. 21. Romans xv.
1, 2. 1 Corinthians viii. 9, 13. We must support
them,— bear them as pillars,— bear the house as the
shoulders a burthen, as the wall the vine, as parents
their children, as the oak the ivy. And this, because
they are brethren. Are they not of tlie same body ?
Shall the hand cut off the little finger because it is
not as large as the thumb ? Do men throw away
their com, because it comes into the bam with chaff?
They are weak. Bear with them out of pity. In a
family, if one of the little ones be sick, all the larger
children are ready to attend it, which they need not
do if it were well. It should be done, likewise, be-
cause Jesus Christ does so. Bear ye one another's
burthens, and so fulfil the law of Christ, the law of his
conmiand, and the law of his example. He takes
special care of his Iambs, will not quench the smoking
flax, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmi-
ties, Hebrews iv. 16. *
To retum,] he was exceeding tender of giving
offence, or occasion of grief, to any body, minding
himself in his diary upon such occasions; that the
wisdom that is from above, is pure, and peaceable,
and gentle, &c. Yet be plainly and faitlifully
reproved what he saw amiss in any, and would not
suffer sin upon them ; mourning also for that which
he could not mend. There were some untractable
people in the parish, who sometimes caused grief to
him, and exercised his boldness and zeal in reprov-
ing. Once hearing of a merry meeting at an ale-
house, on a Saturday night, he went himself and
broke it up, and scattered them. At another time,
he publicly witnessed against a frolic of some vain
people, that on a Saturday night came to the church
with a fiddler before them, and dressed it up with
flowers and garlands, making it, as he told them,
« P. Henry. Orig. MS.
y This statement is now inapplicable to congregational assem.
blies. Considering the aspect of the times, educational predilec-
tions, and oflBcial custom, it cannot be surprising that such a man
as Mr. Henry should have felt sensibly on the subject The sen.
tJment was, indeed, common, and for similar reasons, to the
body of Presbyterian Ministers. The experience, however,
which resulted from the Act of Uniformity in 1062, and other
subsequent statutes, evidently lessened their objections, and
showed that the difficulties were rather ima^nary than real.
more like a play-house ; and was this their prepara-
tion for the Lord's day, and the duties of it? &c.
He minded them of Ecclesiastes xi. 9. Rejoice, 0
young man, in thy youth, but know thou .
Many out of the neighbouring parishes attended
upon his ministry, and some came from far, though
sometimes he signified his dislike of their so doing,
so far was he from glorying in it. But they who
had spiritual senses exercised to discern things that
differ, would attend upon that ministry which they
found to be most edifying.
He was about eight years, from first to last, labour-
ing in the word and doctrine at Worthenbury, and
his labour was not altogether in vain. He saw in
many of the travail of his own soul to the rejoicing
of his heart, but with this particular dispensation,
which I have heard him sometimes speak of, that
most or all of those in that parish, whom he was,
through grace, instrumental of good to, died be-
fore he left the parish, or quickly after ; so that
within a few years after his removal thence, thero
were very few of the visible fruits of his ministry
there; and a new generation sprang up there,
who knew not Joseph. Yet the opportunity he
found there was of doing the more good, by hav-
ing those that were his charge near about him, made
him all his days bear his testimony to parish order,
where it may be had upon good terms, as much more
eligible, and more likely to answer the end, than
the congregational way of gathering churches from
places far distant, which could not ordinarily meet
to worship God together.^ From this experience
here, though he would say, we must do what we can,
when we cannot do what we would,' he often wished
and prayed for the opening of a door, by which to
retum to that order again.
He had not been long at Worthenbury, but he
began to be taken notice of by the neighbouring
ministers, as likely to be a considerable man.
Though his extraordinary modesty and humility,
which even in his youth he was remarkable for,
made him to sit down with silence in the lowest
room, and to say, as Elihu, Days shall speah ; yet his
eminent gifts and graces could not long be hid; the
ointment of the right hand will betray itself, and a
person of his merits could not but meet with those
quickly, who said. Friend, go up higher ; and so
that Scripture was fulfilled, Luke xiv. 10. He was
often called upon to preach the week-day lectures,
I Ut qnimus, aiunt-; quando, tit volumus. non licet Terence.
Audria, Act. IV. Sc. VI.
In a valuable little Treatise, *' Of the Power of Godlinesse,** by
Thomas White, duod. 1658. The author states, that one great im-
pediment " whereby wee are hindered in the wayes of God,*'—
" not to do what wee can. because we cannot do what wee would,
or should." ib. p. 139.
So. Mr. Bereman,— " If you cannot do the good you would,
then do the good you can." Farewell Sermons, p. 3M. 4to.
1663.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
33
f
which were set up plentifully, and diligently attend-
ed apon in those parts, and his labours were gene-
rally Teiy acceptable and successful. , The vox
popMli fastened upon him the epithet of Heavenly
Henry,* by which title he was commonly known all
the country over ; and his advice was sought for by
many neighbouring ministers and Christians, for he
was one of those that found favour and good under-
standing in the sight of God and man. He was
noted at his first setting out, (as I have been told by
one who was then intimately acquainted with him,
and with his character and conversation,) for three
thlogs : 1. Great piety and devotion, and a mighty
siTour of gCMlliness in all his converse. 2. Great
indastry in the pursuit of useful knowledge; he
was particularly observed to be very inquisitive
when he was among the aged and intelligent, hear-
ing them, and asking them questions ; a good exam-
ple to young men, especially youHg ministers. 3.
Great self-denial, self-diffidence, and sclf-abase-
iient ; this eminent humility put a lustre upon all
his other graces. This character of him reminds
me of a passagpe I have sometimes heard him tell,
as a check to the forwardness and confidence of
young men, that once at a meeting of ministers, a
question of moment was started, to be debated
among thepi ; upon the first proposal of it, a confi-
dent young man shoots his bolf* presently, '^ Truly,"
nith he, '' I hold it so ;" *' You hold. Sir," saith a
grave minister, '* it becomes you to hold your peace/*
Besides his frequent preaching of the lectures
about him, he was a constant and diligent attendant
wpon those within his reach, as a bearer ; and not
only wrote the sermons he heard, but afterwards re-
corded in his diary, what, in each sermon, reached
his heart, affected him, and did him good ; adding
tome proper, pious ejaculations, which were the
breathings of his heart, when he meditated upon
and prayed over the sermons.
[lie following instances will illustrate the fore-
going statement, and preserve, at the same time, some
pleasing specimens of the pulpit excellences of va-
rious of Mr. Henry's friends and fellow-labourers.
1657, January 7. I heard two sermons at Bangor ;
the one from Acts xvii. 31. He hath appointed a day
wherein he will judge the world. My heart was very
dead in hearing ; the Lord in mercy forgive it ; but
the truth made up to myself is this, — I would fain be
certified, — Am I ready for that day ? It will be ter-
rible to sinners ; it will be comfortable to the godly ;
it is not long to it. Where shall I then appear ? O
Lord, let me be found in Christ ! — At his right, not
at his left, hand ; — among the sheep, not among the
• The SQtIion of the Biographie Univenelle Ancienne et Mo-
<lcnie. Took Vingtieme, oct ISI7. tit. Henry Bifathieu, say,— that
ItepnblabcdaLife "de M. Philippe Henry, (pire de Tauteur,) I'un
<te pveinicn nonoonfonniites. en I60C, et appelft par ses admire-
D
goats ! I have been a wandering sheep, if yet a
sheep. Oh, save me for thy mercies' sake !
The other from Acts xxiv. 25. Felix trembled.
Much was spoken that reached my heart and present
condition, as if the Lord had sent the minister to
preach purposely to me. Blessed be God ! It is a
dreadful thing to sin against conviction ; and that
I have done many a time. Father, forgive me ! A
convinced person finds a great deal less pleasure in
sin than others do. I can set my seal to that truth,
and acknowledge myself, therefore, so much the
more a fool to transgress without a cause. Sure, ray
sin is the greater. Sins against conviction border
upon the sin against the Holy Ghost. Oh, how near
then have I been to ruin ! There hath been but a
step between me and death; but God hath had
mercy.
Saving convictions melt the heart, set the soul a
pra3ring, subdue the will to live according to them.
Mine, this day, produced the two former efiects, with
hearty unfeigned resolutions touching the latter.
Lord, undertake for rac !
I was told that I must not stay till some remark-
able time from which to date my conversion to God,
as many do, but I must make this day remarkable
by doing it now. After dangerous backsliding, lo,
I come to Thee, for thou art the Lord my God ! — My
God in Christ!
April 1. I heard two sermons at Bangor. The
one from Psalm cxix. 37. Quicken thou me in thy
way. In the prayer before sermon, this confession
was put up, which my heart closed with ; Lord^ we
want wisdom to carry ourselves as we ought in the
worlds by reason whereof the work of the gospel in our
hands is much hindered ! Oh, my God, bestow upon
me a wise and an understanding heart. The doc-
trine was, — that God's people often want quickening
in God's way. I am sure I do. Oh, when had I
cause to complain, my heart is dead to the world,
creatures, pleasures, sin? But to duty, praying,
preaching, when, almost, is it otherwise? Lord, tliou
gavest life at first ; give more life !
May 6. At Thistleworth. From Matt. vi. 10. Thy
will be done. In this petition we pray that the secret
will of God, which is always wise, may be done
upon us, and that the revealed will of God, which
is always righteous, may be done by us ; the will of
his purpose, and the will of his command. In earth
as in heaven — A true Christian hath perfection in his
eye, though he cannot reach it; (Phil, iii.) that, if
possible, he might attain the resurrection of the dead.
O Lord, when shall I be perfect ; when shall that
that is in part be done away ?
b An allusion, probably, to the old proverb, A rath man'$ boll h
toon sAot. "The hypocrite will rashly and suddenly thoot the Mt
of his censure against any that comes in his way." Divine Cha.
racters, by Samuel Crook, B. D. p. 120. fol. 1658. See Clark's Lives
annexed to the Martyrologie, p. 214. «/ tvpra.
34
THE UFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
May 10. At Thistleworth. From Matt xii. 96.
The doctrine was, — Idle words must be accounted
for. Words that are unprofitable bring no glory to
God, no real good to ourselves or others, are very
sinful, — because they are an abuse of our best mem-
ber, our tongue, which is our gloiy. We are guilty
of very many, every day, in every company. From
hence was inferred what need there is for us to
reckon with ourselves every night for the idle words
and other failings of the day before. It is no wis-
dom to defer. If we reflect not quickly, we shall
forget My heart accuses me of much guilt in this
respect. I have formerly been very talkative, and
in multitude of words there wants not sin. Lord,
cleanse my soul in the blood of Christ, and mortify
that corruption for me, by thy Spirit, every day,
more and more !
From 1 Pet. iv. 18. it was urged that it is no easy
matter to be saved. It was difficult work to Jesus
Christ to work redemption for us. It is difficult
work to the Spirit to work grace in us, and to carry
it on against corruptions, temptations, distractions.
I was exhorted to inquire, 1. Can I choose to under-
go the greatest suffering rather than commit the least
sin ? 2. Can I embrace Christ with his cross ? 3.
Can I work for God though there were no wages ?
4. Can I swim against the stream ; be good in bad
times, and places ? . 5. Can I pull out right eyes for
Christ, and cut off right hands, &c. ? I can do all
this, and much more, through Christ's strengthen-
ing me.
June 3. At Bangor, from Phil. i. 27. The doc-
trine was,— It is the great duty of Christians to have
their conversation as becomes the gospel ; that is,
clothed with the graces of the gospel, faith, love»
humility, meekness, self-denial, patience; and in
these to abound, and grow. It is an uncomely sight
to see an old professor a young saint. We discre-
dit our keeping. ' Lord, water me every moment ;
keep me night and day, that I may tluive to thy
praise, having my conversation, not only as becomes
the gospel, but, which is more, as becomes a minis-
ter of the gospel.
June 10. At Ellesmere. * From Matt. v. 6. The
doctrine was, — Hungry, thirsty souls shall be filled,
partly here, perfectly hereafter, with grace, comfort,
glory. Such put a great value upon Christ Men
will part with any thing for food ; they will go far
for it ; take pains to get it. Lord, evermore fill my
soul with thyself! Creatures will not satisfy.
July 1. At Bangor. From Matt xiii. 44. The ob-
servation was, — Those who have found Christ ought
to hide him ;— not from others, but within themselves
in the safest, inmost room of their hearts. This is done
by faith, love, humility, obedience, entertainment.
e Ml. Pomfiret '* would exhort people Arom the pulpit, that, next
to the blood of Christ, they would prize Um and thoughts.'* Life,
by Thomas Reynolds, p. 79i oct 17S2.
There is all the reason in the world for it ; he is
treasure worth hiding ; there are great endeavours to
rob us of him ; if once lost, he is not easily found
again ; till he can be found again, there can be no
true peace. Some lodge Christ, as they do beggars,
in their out-houses, by making a visible profession,
but sin dwells in the heart The Lord grant that I
be not one of those !
From Eccles. i. 2. it was stated, — ^That there is no-
thing under the sun but what is full of the vainest
vanity ..—unsatisfying, unprofitable, unsuitable, un-
certain, not worthy our affections when we have
them, nor our afflicting ourselves when we want
them. The saints have always thought so ; dying
men will not fail to tell us so. Oh, what cause have
we to bless God, who hath revealed this unto us, to
take us from things here below, which otherwise we
might have ventured our souls for, and so have
perished for ev^r! I bless God, it is as if a friend
had stopt me from giving all I have for a counterfeit
pearl, — Oh, do. not venture ; it is but counterfeit !
From James v. 9. the solemn truth was enforced.
Behold, the Judge standeth before the door ; that is,
very near. There is but a hair's breadth of time
between us and our account This we ought to be-
hold with an eye of faith, thereby to bring it near to
us, and make it as present. We must not think, in
the mean time, that forbearance is payment Pa-
tience doth not take away sin ; only the pardoning
grace of God doth that. The time to come will be
as swift as that which hath been, and concerning
which we usually say. It was but the other day, &c.
though it may be it was thirty or forty years ago.
This should quicken us to ply time.^ The Lord
write this truth in my heart, and help me to see the
Judge, — not sitting, but standing, before the door, in
a moving posture, that I may study, and preach,
and pray, and live, accordingly. Amen, for Christ's
sake!
Oct. 5. At Welsh-Hampton,** from Col. iii. 8.
The doctrine was, — It is the great duty of all Chris-
tians to put off anger. It unfits for duty. A little
jogging puts a clock or watch out of frame, so a
little passion the heart. A man cannot wrestle with
God and virangle with his neighbour at the same
time. Short sins often cost us long and sad sorrows.
An angry man is like one in a crowd who hath a sore
boil, every one thrusts him, and troubles him. With
the froward thou wilt show thyself froward ; — a dread-
ful Scripture to a peevish, froward man. Those who
arc too merry when pleased, are commonly too angry
when crossed. Blessed Lord, subdue this lust in my
heart ! I am very weak there. Turn the stream of
my anger against self, and sin ! *]
What a wonderful degree of piety and humility
A A parish in Salop, about three miles firom Ellesmere.
• P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
36
doth it eridence, for one of so great acquaintance
with tfac things of God to write, — ^Tbis I learnt out
of fuch a sermon, and This was the truth I made up
to mjself oat of such a sermon ! And, indeed, some-
thing oat of eyery sermon. His diligent improve-
ment of the word preached contributed, more than
any one thing, as a means to his great attainments
in knowledge and gprace. He would say sometimes,
that one great use of week-day lectures was, that it
gate ministers an opportunity of hearing one an-
other preach, by which they are likely to profit, when
they hear not as masters, but as scholars ; not as
censors, bat as learners.
His great friend and companion, and fellow-
labourer in the work of the Lord, was the worthy Mr.
Richard Steel,' Minister of Hanmer,' one of the next
parishes to Worthenbury, whose praise is in the
churches of Christ, for his excellent and useful trea-
tises, "The Husbandman's Calling,'"* "An Antidote
aipdnst Distractions,'^ ' and several others. Ho was
Mr. Henry's alter idem^ the man of his counsel ; with
him he joined frequently at Hanmer and elsewhere
in Christian conference, and in days of humiliation
and prayer: besides their meetings with other minis-
ters at public lectures ; after which it was usual for
them to spend some time among themselves in set
disputations in Latin. This was the work that in
those days was carried on among ministers, who
made it ^eir business, as iron sharpens iron, to pro-
voke one another to love and good works. What
was done of this kind in Worcestershire, Mr. Baxter
tells us in his Life.^
In the beginning of his days he often laboured
under bodily distempers ; it was feared that he was
io a consumption ; and some blamed him for taking
so much pains in his ministerial work, suggesting to
him. Master, spare thyself. One of his friends told
idm, he lighted up all his pound of candles together ; *
and that he could not hold out long at that rate ;
and wished him to be a better husband of his
strength. But he often reflected upon it with com-
fort afterwards, that he was not influenced by such
suggestions.— The more we do, the more we may do,
so he would sometimes say, in the service of God.
When his work was sometimes more than ordinary,
and bore hard upon him, he thus appealed to God ; —
Thoa knowest. Lord, how well contented I am to
spoid and to be spent in thy service ; and if the out-
ward man decay, O let the inward man be renew-
r Nat MXh Miy, ie39 : Ob. I6tb Nov. 1003. See Wilson's Hist, of
Dtaentinf Cborcbes^ v. 2. p. 448.
g See Leiand, wt tmptm, r. 5. pp. 30, 31.
kSmlSSBL
i Svo. 1073.
k Beliq. Baxter. Ub. L Part L p. 90. «/ M}»ra.
I fai Sderfki's Beports, the phrase is thas used; " Et si terme
KM devteal mn par vie nemaioderal aater par trie remainder al
tune par vie, te. Bt iaiot al 90 Tun apres Tauter que ces est
btme devise al ceuz touts nicnt obstant les otgections de possibi-
o 2
ed ! Upon the returns of his indisposition he ex-
presseth a great concern how to get spiritual good
by it,— to come out of the furnace, and leave
some dross behind ; for it is a great loss to lose an
affliction. He mentions it as that which he hoped
did him good, that he was ready to look upon every
return of distemper as a summons to the grave ;
thus he learned to die daily. — I find, saith he, my
earthly tabernacle tottering, and when it is taken
down I shall have a building in heaven, that shall
never fail. Blessed be God the Father, and my Lord
Jesus Christ, and the good Spirit of grace. Even so,
Amen. This was both his strength and his song,
under his bodily infirmities.
While he was at Worthenbury he constantly laid
by the tenth of his income for the poor, which he
carefully and faithfully disposed of, in the liberal
things which he devised, especially the teaching of
poor children. And he would recommend it as a
good rule to lay by for charity in some proportion,
according as the circumstances are, and then it will
be the easier to lay out in charity. We shall be the
more apt to seek for opportunities of doing good,
when we have money lying by us, of which we have
said, — This is not our own, but the poor's. To en-
courage himself and others to works of charity, he
would say, — He is no fool who parts with that which
be cannot keep, when be is sure to be recompensed
with that which he cannot lose. And yet to prove
alms to be righteousness, and to exclude all boasting
of them, he often expressed himself in those words
of David, — Of thine ovmy Lord, have we given thee,"^
In the year 1658, the ministers of that neighbour-
hood began to enlarge their correspondence with the
ministers of North Wales ; and several meetings
they had at Ruthin and other places that year, for
the settling of a correspondence, and the promoting
of unity and love, and good understanding among
themselves, by entering into an Association, like
those some years before of Worcestershire" and
Cumberland,** to which, as their pattern, those two
having been published, they did refer themselves.
They appointed particular Associations ; and, not-
withstanding the diflerences of apprehension that
were among them, (some being in their judgments
episcopal, others congregational, and others classi-
cal,) they agreed to lay aside the thoughts of matters
in variance, and to give to each other the right hand
of fellowship ; that with one shoulder, and with one
llties sur possibilities si touts les psons fuer m esse al temps del
devise quia touts le» eandfU art HghUd atone*:" p. 451. fol. 1683.
m 1 Chron. xxix. 14. Mr. Falrclough would often say,— that we
read not or any good man in all the history of Scripture, or of the
primitive tiroes, that was covetous. Clark's Lives or Eminent
Persons, p. 18*2. «/ tuftra.
B See Christian Concord ; or, The Agreement of the Associated
Pastors and Churches of Worcestershire, with its Explication and
Defence, by R. Baxter, 4to. 1663
Q See the Agreement of the Associated BAinisters and Churches
36
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
consent, they might study, each in their places, to
promote the common interests of Christ's kingdom,
and common salvation of precioos souls. He ob-
served that this year, after the death of Oliver
Cromwelljp there was generally, throughout the
nation, a great change^ in the temper of God's peo-
ple, and a mighty tendency towards peace and unity,
as if they were, by consent, weary of their long
clashings ; which, in his diary, he expresseth his
great rejoicing in, and his hopes that the time was
at hand, when Judah should no longer vex Ephraim,
nor Ephraim envy Judah, neither should they learn
war any more,' And though these hopes were soon
disappointed by the change of the scene, yet he
would often speak of the experience of that and the
following year in those parts, as a specimen of what
may yet be expected, and, therefore, in faith prayed
for, when the Spirit shall be poured out upon us from
on high. But, alas ! Who shall live when God doth
this? From this experience he likewise gathered
this observation, — that it is not so much our differ-
ence of opinion that doth us the mischief; (for we
may as soon expect all the clocks in the town to
strike together, as to see all good people of a mind
in every thing on this side heaven ;) but the mis-
management of that difference.
In the Association of the Ministers it was referred
to Mr. Henry to draw up that part of their agreement
which concerned the worship of God, which task he
performed to their satisfaction. His preface to what
he drew up begins thus :— " Though the main of our
desires and endeavours be after unity in the greater
things of God ; yet we judge uniformity in the cir-
cumstances of worship, a thing not to be altogether
neglected by us, not only in regard of that influence,
which external visible order hath upon the beauty
and comeliness of the churches of Christ ; but also
as it hath a direct tendency to the strengthening of
our hands in ministerial services, and withal to the
removing of those prejudices which many people
have conceived, even against religion and worship
itself. We bless God, from our very souls, for that
whereunto we have already attained ; and yet we
hope some further thing may be done, in reference
to our closer walking by the same rule, and mind-
ing the same things. The word of God is the rule
which we desire and resolve to walk by in the admi-
nistration of ordinances; and for those things
wherein the word is silent, we think we may, and
ought to, have recourse to Christian prudence, and
the practice of the reformed churches, agreeing with
the general rules of the word : and, therefore, we
oT the Counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland, with some-
thing Tor Explication and Exhortation annexed, 4to. I65A.
P Sept 3. 1658.
^ Rellq. Baxter. Lib. Part I. p. 100, kc. «/ npra.
r Isa. xi. 13. transposed ; and Isa. ii. 4.
• One of the doctors who visited Huss, nid to him,^'* U the
have had, as we think we ought, in our present
agreement, a special eye to the Directory," &c.
These agreements of theirs were the more likely
to be for good, for that here, as in Worcestershire,
when they were in agitation, the ministers set apart
a day of fasting and prayer among themselves, to
bewail ministerial neglects, and to seek to God for
direction and success in their ministerial work.
They met sometimes for this purpose at Mr. Henry's
house at Worthenbury.
One passage may not improperly be inserted here,
that once at a meeting of the ministers, being
desired to subscribe a certificate concerning one
whom he had not sufficient acquaintance with ; he
refused, giving this reason, — that he preferred the
peace of his conscience before the friendship of all
the men in the world. *
Sept. 29, 1668, the Lady Pulcston died.— She was,
saith he, the best friend I had on earth, but my
Friend in heaven is still where he was, and he will
never leave me nor forsake me. He preached her
funeral sermon from Isaiah iii. last verse; Cease
from man, whose breath is in his nostrils. He hath
noted this expression of hers not long before she
died : *' My soul leans to Jesus Christ ; lean to
me, sweet Saviour." About this time he writes, — A
dark cloud is over my concernments in this family,
but my desire is, that, whatever becomes of me and
my interest, the interest of Christ may still be kept
on foot in this place. Amen, so be it. But he adds
soon after, that saying of Athanasius, which he was
used often to quote and take comfort from ; Nnbecnla
est et cito pertransibit. It is a little cloud, and will
soon blow over.
About a year after, Sept. 5, 1650, Judge Puleston
died, and all Mr. Henry's interest in the Emeral family
was buried in his grave. He preached the Judge's
funeral sermon, from Nehemiah xiii. 14. Wipe not
out my good deeds that I have done for the house of
my God, and for the offices thereof The design of
which sermon was not to applaud his deceased friend.
I find not a word in the sermon to that purpose.
But he took occasion from the instance of so great
a benefactor to the ministry as the Judge was, to
show that deeds done for the house of God, and the
offices thereof, are good deeds : and to press people,
according as their ability and opportunity was, to
do such deeds.
[Thus he enlarged,— They arc acts of piety.
Such acts as have immediate relation to God. That
which is g^ven to the poor members of Jesus Christ
to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, is charity.—
Council (of Constance, A. D. 1414) should tell you, that you have
but one eye, though you have really two, you would be obliged
to agree with the Council." " While God keeps me in my senses,
replied Hitss, ** I would not say such a thing against my consci.
ence, on the entreaty or command or the whole world." BSilner's
Church Hist. v. 4. p. S44.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
37
That which is given to, or done for, the house of oar
God, is piety.
They are acts of justice. Alms in Hebrew are
called justice. When bestowed upon the house of
God, they are as a rent-penny for what we enjoy.
They have a tendency to the good of souls. The
minister's success will further the patron's account.
To be an instrument to bring and keep the means
of grace among a people, is indeed a good deed.
They tend very much to the credit of religion. It
is often cast in our teeth by the Papists, What good
deeds are done among you for the house of the Lord
since the Reformation ? Pater nosier built churches,
and our Father pulls them down ; whereas, probably,
most of their good deeds were mulcts improved for
penance.
Wipe them not ont. This implies that God notes
them as in a table-book ; as every sin, so every good
deed. Allusion to Esther vi. 1. And it is in order
to a requital, Malachi i. 10.
Indeed the work itself is its own wages. Church-
work is honourable work : it is an honour to be per-
mitted to do any good deed for the house of God.
Let US be ashamed of our barrenness in good
deeds for the house of our God. Especially those
tiiat have wherewithal; estates, opportunities. How
much of oar rent are we behind with God ! Wc can
be liberal and bountiful upon other occasions, in
housekeeping, but what is done for the Lord's house?
Are we not as an almanack, on one side full of red
and black letters and figures, on the other side
blank? God takes it very unkindly, Hagg^i i. 4.
Let the subject stir us up to do what good we can
for the house of our God : where much is given,
moch will be required. It is not building of churches
that I am persuading you to, but to do something to
pfomote religion. Sit down and consider, — Can I
do nothing for the house of my God ?
And what you do, do quickly, Eccles. ix. 10. Do
self-denyingly, 1 Chron. xxix. 14. Do belicvingly,
Heb. xi. 6. Sprinkle it with faith. '
Another] passage I find in that sermon which
ought to be recorded ; that it had been for several
years the practice of a worthy gentleman in the
neighbouring county, in renewing his leases, in-
stead of making it a condition that his tenants should
keep a hawk or a dog for him, to oblige them that
they should keep a Bible in their houses for them-
selves, and should bring up their children to learn
to read, and to be catechized. This, saith he, would
be no charge to you, and it might oblige them to
that which otherwise they would neglect. — Some
vided, saith he, in his diary, that I had chosen
t P. Henry. Orig. MS.
> See « Tim. it 15. Gal. i. 10.
* In Uie gift of the Bishop of St. Aaapb. Ecton's Thesaur. by
Dr. WiDii. p, 49L That See was then vacant. Le Neve, p. 22.
• See ProT. ntv. St. Gal i. lo. Jer. ilv. 5.
some other subject for that sermon, but I approved
myself to God, and if I please men, I am not the
servant of Christ. "
What personal affronts he received from some of
the branches of that family at that time, need not
be mentioned, but with what exemplary patience
he bore them, ought not to be forgotten.
In March, 1658-9, he was very much solicited to
leave Worthenbury, and to accept of the Vicarage of
Wrexham,* which was a place that he had both a
great interest in, and a great kindness for, but he
could not see his call clear from Worthenbury, so
he declined it. The same year he had an offer made
him of a considerable living near London ; but he
was not of them that are given to change, nor did
he consult with flesh and blood, nor seek great
things to himself.*
That year he had some disturbance from the
Quakers,' who were set on by some others who
wished ill to his ministry. They challenged him to
dispute with them ; and that which he was to prove
against them, was, that the God he worshipped was
not an idol ; that John Baddely (a blacksmith in
Malpas, and the ringleader of the Quakers in that
country) was not infallible, nor without sin ; that
baptism with water and the Lord's supper are gos-
pel-ordinances ; that the Scriptures are the word of
God ; and that Jesus Christ will come to judge the
world at the last day. But he never had any public
disputes with them, nor so much disturbance from
them in public worship, as some other ministers had
elsewhere about that time. He had some appre-
hensions at that time, that God would make the
Quakers a scourge to this nation ; but had comfort
in this assurance, that God would in due time vin-
dicate his own honour, and the honour of his ordi-
nances, and those of them who will not repent to
give him glory, will be cast into the fire.
One passage I cannot omit, because it discovers
what kind of spirit the Quakers were of. A de-
bauched gentleman being in his revels at Malpas,
drinking and swearing, was, after a sort, reproved
for it by Baddely the Quaker, who was in his ccm-
pany. " Why," saith the gentleman, " I'll ask Ihec
one question, Whether is it better for me to follow
drinking and swearing, or to go and hear Henry?"
He answered, " Of the two, rather follow thy drink-
ing and swearing."
The Cheshire rising this year, in opposition to
the irregular powers that then were uppermost,
under Sir George Booth, afterwards Lord Delamere,
and that of North Wales under Sir Thomas Mid-
dleton,^ could not affect Worthenbury, and tho
X See Reliq. Baxter. Lib. I. Part I. p. 77. nt tvpra, and Mather's
Hist, of New England, Book VII. p. 21, &c. fol. I70i. It would be
manirestly unjust to class with their Torerathers the socieUes now
so designated.
r See the Declaration of Sir Thomas Middleton, Seijeant-M^iur-
38
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
country tliereabouts. Mr Henrjr's prayer for them
in his Diary, the day of their first appearing, is, —
Lord, own them, if they truly own thee ! He notes,
that Lambert's' forces which came down to sup-
press them, did in that neighbourhood espouse the
Quakers' cause, and offer injury to some ministers ;
and, therefore, saith he, unless God intend the ruin
of the nation by them, they cannot prosper. Nor did
they long, though in that expedition they had suc-
cess. In their return, some of Lambert's soldiers
were at Worthenbuiy Church, hearing Mr. Henry,
upon a Lord's day ; and one of them sat with his
hat on, while they were singing psalms, for which
he publicly admonished him : and there being many
Anabaptists among them, he hath recorded it as a
good providence, that those questions in the cate-
chism, which are concerning baptism, came in course
to be expounded that day. The first rising of the
Cheshire forces was August 1, 1659, and the 19th
following they were worsted and scattered by Lam-
bert's forces, near Northwich; a strange spirit of
fear being upon them, which quite took ofi* their
chariot-wheels.* The country called it not the
Cheshire Rising, but the Cheshire Race. Some
blamed him that he did not give God thanks pub-
licly for the defeat of Sir George Booth ; to whom
he answered, with his usual mildness, that his ap-
prehensions concerning that aflfair were not the
same with theirs. We are now, saith he, much in
the dark, never more. He preached the lecture at
Chester soon after, just at the time when Mr. Cook,
an eminent minister in Chester, and several others,
were carried prisoners to London, for their agency
in the late attempt ; and the city was threatened to
have their charter taken away, &c. The text in
course that day, (for they preached over the latter
part of that epistle, if not the whole, at that lecture,)
happened to be Hebrews xiii. 14. We have here
no continuing city, which he thought a word upon the
wheels at that time. He notes in his Diary, that
when, after that, the army ruled, disturbed the Par-
liament, and carried all before them with a high
band, there were great grounds to fear sad times
approaching; and his prayer is,— Lord, fit thy
people for the fiery trial.
He was a hearty well-wisher** to the return of the
King, the spring following, April, 1660, and was
much affected with the mercy of it. — While others
rejoice carnally, saith he. Lord, help thy people to
rejoice spiritually, in our public national mercies.
General and Vice- Admiral for the Six Counties of North Wales,
1645. 4to.
I John Lambert, one of the Parliamentarian Generals. See
Aikin's General Biography, v. 6. p. 100. There are several curious
lettera concerning him in Lord Clarendon's State Papera, ▼. a pp.
329. &c.
• See Exod. xiv. 25.
b " The King himself told the Ministera of London, on the day
of his happy return, when the Rev. Mr. A. Jackson presented him
It was upon that occasion that Mr. Baxter preached
his sermon of right rejoicing,' on Luke x. 20. B<it
be and others soon saw cause to rejoice with trem-
bling, and to sing both of mercy and judgment ; for
about that time he hath this melancholy remark,-*
Religion loses ground exceedingly, and profaneness
gets it. Help, Lord ! However, he was very indus-
trious to quiet the minds of some who were uneasy
at that great revolution ; and that scripture yielded
him much satisfaction, John iii. 35. The Father
loveth the Son, and hath given all things into hi*
hands. If Christ be not only the Head of the church,
but Head over all things to the church, we may be
assured, that all things shall be made to work toge-
ther for good to it.' The text also which the Lord
put into his heart to preach upon on the day of pub-
lic thanksgiving for the King's restoration, was very
comfortable to him, Proverbs xxi. 1. The King's
heart is in the hand of the Lord.^ His sense of that
great mercy of God to the nation, in the unbloody,
peaceable, and legal settlement of King Charles II.
upon the throne, was the same with that of multi-
tudes besides, both ministers and others, that were
of the quiet in the land, who yet, not long after,
suffered very hard things under him. Soon after the
return of the King, he notes how industrious some
were to remove him from Worthenbury,on which he
writes this as the breathing of his soul towards
God ; Lord, if it please thee, fasten me here as a
nail in a sure place ; if otherwise, I will take nothing
ill which thou dost with me. And when pressed by
his friends more earnestly than before, to accept of
some other place, — Lord, saith he, mine eye is up
unto thee ; I am wholly at thy disposal ; make my
way plain before my face, because of mine ene-
mies ; my resolution is, to deny myself if thou
callest me. Here, or any where, it is no great
matter where, I am. Many years after the King's
return, he dated a letter, May 29. T^ 4/«W ^^ ^
yXvKvmKpgi.
There are two things further which I think it may
be of use to give some account of in the close of
this chapter. 1. Of the course of his ministry at
Worthenbury ; and, 2. of the state of his soul, and
the communion he had with God, in those years.
As to the subjects he preached upon, he did not
use to dwell long upon a text. — Better one sermon,
upon many texts, viz. many scriptures opened and
applied, than many sermons upon one text. To that
purpose he would sometimes speak.'
with a Bible in their behalf, as he passed through St Paul's
Church'yard, to this effect;— 7Xa/ Ae must aitribuU Am restawratwi,
mnder God, to their praytrs and endtawmrg.'* The Coufonnists'
Fourth Plea for the Nonconformists, 4to. 1683. p. 69.
e Quarto, 1660.
d See Eph. v. 23. Col. i. 18. Ephes. i. 22. Rom. viii. 28.
• See the plan of the Sermon in the Evan. Mag. v. xxvii. p. 399.
f The Synod of St Poy.in France, A. D. 1578, witnesseth against
ministers dwelling long upon a text, and wouldJiave them expound
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
30
He used to preach in a fixed method, and linked
iussabjeclB in a sort of chain. « He adapted his
mediod and style to the capacity of his hearers,
fetching his similitudes for illustration from those
things whicb were familiar to them. He did not
shoot the arrow of the word over their heads in high
notions, or the flourishes of affected rhetoric, nor
under their feet, by blunt and homely expressions,
as many do*^ under pretence of plainness, but to
their hearts, in close and lively applications. His
delivery was very graceful and agreeable, far from
being either noisy and precipitate on the one hand, or
doll and slow on the other. His doctrine did drop
as the dew, and distil as the soaking rain, and came
with a charming, pleasing power, such as many will
bear witness to, that have wondered at the gracious
words which proceeded out of his mouth.*
He wrote the notes of his sermons pretty large for
the most part, and always very legible. But even
when he had put his last hand to them, he conmionly
left many imperfect hints, which gave room for en-
laigement in preaching, wherein he had a great
felicity. And he would often advise ministers not
to tie themselves too strictly to their notes, but,
having well digested the matter before, to allow
themselTes a liberty of expression, such as a man's
affections, if they be well raised, will be apt to fur-
nish him with. But for this no certain rule can be
^ven, tiiero are diversities of gifts, and each to
profit withal.
He kept his sermon-notes in very neat and exact
order ; sermons in course, according to the order of
the subject ; and occasional sermons according to the
scripture-order of the texts ; so that he could readily
torn to any of them. And yet, though afterwards he
was removed to a place far enough distant from
any of that auditory, yet, though some have desired
it. he seldom preached any of those hundreds of
sermons which he had preached at Worthenbury ; no
not when he preached never so privately, but to the
hut he studied new sermons, and wrote them as
elaborately as ever ; for he thought a sermon best
preached when it was newly meditated. Nay, if
sometimes he had occasion to preach upon the same
text, yet he would make and write the sermon anew ;
and he never offered that to God which cost him
nothing.*^
and treat of as many in their ministry as tliey can, fleeing all
OHtentation and long digressions. Quick's Synodic. ▼. 1. p. 117.
Life of P. Henry by Ifotthew Henry. Orlg. MS.
r Appendix, No. VIIL
% A like testimony is borne of another contemporary.—'* He
did not soar aloft In high expressions, shooting over his hearers,
but did condescend to the capacities of the meanest, which is an
excellence in any." Works of Mr. John Murcot, 4to. 1657. Ep.
Ded. by Dr. Samuel Winter, p. 3. See also Clark's Lives annexed
to the Martyrologie, p. 176. «/ nrpro.
1 See Dent xzziL 3. Luke iv.32.
k Seethe Lives of Dr. Stannton.p. 3& daod. 1073. and Dr. Rob.
Hsnis, pu 86L «/ mprm. Also the Life of Demosthenes, Plutarch,
V. &. p. imaf Mfpm.
When he went to Oxford, and preached there
before the University in Christ-church, as he did
several times, his labours were not only very accept-
able, but successful too ; particularly one sermon
which he preached there, on Proverbs xiv. 9.
FooU make a mock at nn ; for which sermon a young
Master of Arts came to his chamber afterwards to
return him thanks, and to acknowledge the good
impressions which divine grace, by that sermon,
had made upon his soul, which he hoped ho should
never forget.
In his Diary he frequently records the frame of
his spirit in studying and preaching. Sometimes
blessing God for signal help vouchsafed, and owning
him the Lord God of all his enlargements ; at other
times, complaining of great deadncss and straitncss.
— It is a wonder, saith he, that I can speak of
eternal things with so little sense of the reality of
them. Lord, strengthen that which remains, which
is ready to die ! And he once writes thus, upon a
studying day, — I forgot explicitly, and expressly,
when I began, to crave help from God,' and the
chariot-wheels drove"* accordingly. Lord, forgive
my omissions, and keep me in the way of duty.
[In June, 1657, he writeSf^-This month I had the
remembrance of much f;\x\\X set home upon my con-
science in reference to the sabbath day. vl used to
lie longer in bed than I ought, which hath been
occasioned by sitting up over late the night before,
and that by neglecting to make preparations for
preaching sooner in the week." I am often put to
it to hurry over truths. So that two sermons were
provided, I have not cared how poorly. Lord, I
confess it to thee with shame, and beg thy grace
that it may be so no more. °]
As to the state of his soul in these years, it should
seem by his Diary, that he was exercised with some
doubts and fears respecting it. — I think, saith he,
never did any poor creature pass through such a
mixture of hope and fear, joy and sadness, assur-
ance and doubting, down and up, as I have done
these years past — . The notice of this may be of
use to poor drooping Christians, that they may know
their case is not singular ; and that, if God for a
small moment hide his face from them, he deals
with them no otherwise than as he uscth sometimes
to deal with the dearest of his servants. It would
1 He that prays most will preach best Spiritual beggars are
special preachers. Mr. Porter ; from a BfS. in P. Henry's hand,
writing.
m See Exod. xiv. 25.
B Mr. Shephard, of New England, usually had his sermons
finished upon Friday iiigbt. '* He hath sometimes exprest himself
thus in pubhcke : -Ood will curse that man's labours that lumbers
up and down in the world all the week, and then upon Saturday,
in the altemoon, goes to bis study, when, as God knows, that time
were little enough to pray and weep in, and to get his heart in
frame." Address to the Reader, signed William Greenhill and
Samuel Mather, and prefixed to Mr. Shephard's Subjection to
Christ in all his Ordinances and Appointments, duod. 1652.
o P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
40
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
affect one, to hear one that lived a life of commu-
nion with God, complaining of great straitness in
prayer. — No life at all in the duty, many wander-
ings ; if my prayers were written down, and my Tain
thoughts interlined, what incoherent nonsense would
there be ! I am ashamed, Lord, I am ashamed ! Oh,
pity, and pardon !
[I find in nothing more of the deceitfulness of my
heart than in secret worship. Oh, how hardly am I
brought to it, and how little sweetness and delight
do I for the most part find in it ! I blush, and am
ashamed. Lord, pity, and pardon, and help ; for,
with my mindf I serve the law of God, though, with
my flesh, the law of sin.
I have a froward peevish spirit unto this day, im-
patient of contradiction. Oh, that it were mortified,
that the grace of meekness might abound in me
more and more.p]
To hear him suspecting the workings of pride of
heart, when he gave an account to a friend, who in-
quired of him, touching the success of his ministry,
and that he should record this concerning himself,
with this ejaculation annexed,— The Lord pardon
and subdue! It was a sign that he kept a very
watchful eye upon the motions of his own heart.
[At another time he writes ; — ^Thcse following sins
were set home with power upon my conscience :
1. Omissions innumerable. I fall short of duty
in every relation.
2. Much frowardness upon every occasion, which
fills my way with thorns and snares.
3. Pride ; a vein of it runs through all my con-
versation.
4. Self-seeking. Corrupt ends in all I do. Ap-
plause of men oftentimes regarded more than the
glory of God.
5. My own iniquity. Many bubblings up of heart-
corruption, and breakings forth too. O Lord, shame
l^ath covered my face. Pardon, and purge for Jesu's
sake ! <)]
To hear him charging it upon himself, that he was
present at such a duty in the midst of many distrac-
tions, not tasting sweetness in it, &c. When a fire
is first kindled, saith he, there is a deal of smoke
and smother, that afterwards wear away; so, in
young converts, much peevishness, frowardness,
darkness ; so it hath been with my soul, and so it is
yet in a great measure. Lord, pity, and do not
quench the smoking flax ; though as yet it doth but
smoke, let these sparks be blown up into a flame !
Great mercies, but poor returns ; signal opportu-
nities, but small improvements ; such are his com-
plaints frequently concerning himself. And though
few or none excelled him in profitable discourse.
P P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
q Palmer's Noncon. Mem. v. 3.
Henry'8 Diary,
r P. Henry. Diary, Ori j MS.
p. 480. itated to be from Mr.
yet in that he often bewails his barrenness and un-
profitableness.—Little good done or gotten such a
day, for want of a heart ; it is my sin and shame. O
that I had wings lihe a dove! [Lord, cleanse me
from my omissions. The world Uiinks better of me
than I do of myself, God knows. At another time
he writes, — Nothing troubles me so much as that I
am so unprofitable in my generation. Lord, give me
wisdom, that I may preach in all my discourses ! ^]
Yet when he wanted a faith of assurance, he liv^
by a faith of adherence.— Such a day, saith he, a
full resignation was made of all my concernments
into the hands of my Heavenly Father ; let him deal
with me as seemeth good in his eyes. I am learning
and labouring to live by faith. Lord, help my un-
belief !• Another time he notes that many per-
plexing fears being upon his spirit, they were all
silenced with that sweet word, which was seasonably
brought to his remembrance,— JVar none of those
things which thou shalt suffer,
[There is no living by a dead faith, he observes ;
no, nor by a living faith, unless lively. Help, Lord,
thy poor servant, that my faith fail not! I do not
know that I ever saw my way clearer. Then, Why
art thou cast down, O my soul? *■
At the commencement of a new year he thus
writes, and it is only a specimen of his usual devo-
tion at such seasons : —
1671. January 1. Covenants of new obedience
solemnly renewed with God, and sealed, this new
year's day, in the blood of Jesus Christ Amen!
Lord, be Surety for thy servant for good ! I yield
myself, and all my concerns, to be at thy disposal ;
and I am heartily glad that my times are in thy hand,
and not my own. Do with me, and mine, this year,
as seemeth good in thine eyes ! So be it ! "
Again, he says, — I met with a friendly, season-
able admonition. Blessed be God ! My heart was
then somewhat in a better frame than ordinary for
the receiving of it, and I hope it hath done me good.
The Lord is very gracious, in that he follows me
thus from time to time.
The eyes of many are upon me ; some for one end,
some for another ; some for good, some for evil. I
had need to be watchful. Lord, hold up my goings
in thy path, that my footsteps slip not ! Thou tellest
all my wanderings. For Jesu's sake, let them be
forgotten ! ']
He very frequently kept days of fasting and
humiliation in secret, which he calls his days of
atonement. Sometimes he observed these monthly,
and sometimes only upon special occasions ; but the
memorandums in his Diary, not only while he was
at Worthenbury, but often after, show what sweet
• Appendix, No. IX.
t P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS
« Ibid.
V Ibid.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
41
union he had with God in those solemn duties,
no eye was witness to, but his who seeth in
and will reward openly. Remember, O my
mch a day, as a day of more than ordinary
;ments entered into, and strong resolutions
up of closer walking, and more watchfulness !
Gody undertake for me ! And upon another
;e days of secret prayer and humiliation, he
—If sowing in tears be so sweet, what then
e harvest be, when I shall reap in joy. Bless
rd, O my soul, who forgiveth all thine iniqui-
ad will, in due time, heal all thy diseases.
s good for me to draw near to God. The
r and the nearer the better. How sweet is
I indeed, if heaven upon earth has so much
less in it ! *]
CHAPTER IV.
RIAGB. FA BflLT, FAMILY RELIGION, AND THB EDUCATION
OF BIS CHILDREN.
moved from Emeral, to the house in Worthen-
vhich the Judge had built for him, in Febru-
S58-9 ; and then had one of his sisters with him
;p his house. No sooner had he a tent, but
lad an altar in it, and that a smoking altar.
he set up repetition on sabbath evenings, and
med his neighbours to it.
Christian friends often, and sometimes his
len in the ministry, kept days of fasting and
r at his house. He used to tell people when
ad boilt new houses, they must dedicate them,
ring to Deuteronomy xx. 5. and Psalm xxx.
that is, they must invite God to their houses,
evote them to his service,
nridence having thus brought him into a house
own, soon after provided him a help-meet for
After long agitation, and some discouragement
pposition from the father, he married Kathe-
iie only daughter and heir of Mr. Daniel Mat-
, of Broad Oak, in the township of Iscoyd,*
ntshire, but in the parish of Malpas, which is
eshire, and about two miles distant from Whit-
h, a considerable market-town in Shropshire,
[atthews ^ was a gentleman of a very competent
; such an one as King James the First used
'was the happiest lot of all others, which set a
lelow the office of a Justice of Peace, and above
f a petty Constable. This was his only child :
fair and honourable overtures had been made
R- disposal; but it pleased God so to order
s, and to overrule the spirits of those concerned,
lie was reserved to be a blessing to this good
Henry. Otary. Orig. MS.
s Oimefod'! HiBt. of Cheshire, v. 2. p. 347.
Kended, at iattae tradition of the family, from Matthew
, (froD whOD came the name of Matthew ir5,; a noted Com-
man, in things pertaining both to life and godli-
ness.
[The following anecdote is traditionary. After
Mr. Philip Henry, who came to Worthenbury a
stranger, had been in the country for some time, his
attachment to Miss Matthews, afterwards his wife,
became manifest ; and it was mutual. Among the
other objections urged by her friends against the
connexion was this,— that, although Mr. Henry was
a gentleman, and a scholar, and an excellent
preacher, he was quite a stranger, and they did not
even know where he came from. " True," replied
Miss Matthews, '' but I know where he is going,
and I should like to go with him."
The opposition of Mr. Matthews to the marriage,
and the imposition of inequitable terms, with a view
to breaking off the acquaintance, was, for a consider-
able time, a severe trial, to the faith and patience
of Mr. Henry. In this affair the influence of the
holy religion he professed was exceedingly conspi-
cuous. Nor will the reader disapprove of a mo-
mentary interruption of the narrative by the intro-
duction of the following letters.
To Mr. Matthews.
Sir,
I have received, by my friend, your answer to
what I proposed in my last, concerning your lands
at Brunnington, with which I am satisfied. I under-
stand from him, also, that for your other lands,
which are at Broad-Oke, your demand is £800.
which sum being, as I am informed, according to
the present rate of lands, near their full value, makes
it, in effect, no portion, but a purchase. I do there-
fore hope. Sir, it is but your demand, and that room
is left for some abatement, so far, at least, that there
may be equality, and, withal, that provision may be
made for my just security in case your daughter
should die without issue. Concerning both which
I shall desire the interposure of no other arbitrator
than your own self, to whom I would refer it. I
have had many occasions for laying out of monies
this last year in furnishing my house and other
ways; nevertheless I have £200, or thereabouts,
which I am willing to disburse to you for the present,
and shall give you sufficient bond for more to be paid
within reasonable time, on the considerations before
mentioned. Or, if you please to give your consent
that I may match with your daughter, I shall be as
willing to dispose of those monies elsewhere to her
use, and you may do with your own as you think
good. I assure you, Sir, though you will not believe
me, the Lord knows, I eye it not, having learned,
mander in the wars of Prance, under Henry V. and killed upon
London bridge, in Henry the Sixth's time, iu lV\e %MVVi^«»a:^<^ ^V>
Wat Tyler's RebeUion. Lite ot P. Httirj \>^ ^^»>veaftv^ >\t?osi
Orig. MS.
42
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
in that estate whereiii I am, to be content. Sir, I
beseech you, have some respect in this matter to
honest, innocent affections ; thoug^h not to mine, who
am but a stranger; yet, however, to hers who is
your own flesh ; and be pleased to consider, the same
God, who bids your child obey you, bids you also,
in the same breath, not to provoke her, lest she be
discouraged. I should much rejoice if I might hear
that you are inclined, yet, at last, to entertain more
charitable, favourable thoughts concerning me, who
do really desire to approve myself.
Sir,
Your servant in the Lord,
Worthenbury, 16, 1659. Philip Henry. ^
To Mr. Matthews.
Sir,
It hath been all along my desire and care, as far
as I have known myself, to walk in the highway in
this affair concerning your daughter. I can truly
say your dislike of it, hitherto, hath been one of
the greatest afflictions that hath befallen me; as,
on the other hand, your approbation would be one
of my greatest outward mercies. And I do bless
the Lord, who hath been pleased thus far to incline
your heart towards me, hoping he will finish what
he hath begun. It falls out. Sir, that I am engaged
upon the service of my calling to-morrow in the
work of the Lord ; but, upon Wednesday morning,
at nine o'clock, God willing, I shall not fail to be
at your tenant's house, if your occasions will permit
your presence there, at that time, or when else you
shall appoint. This, with my service to yourself,
and love unfeigned to your daughter, is all at pre-
sent from him who is, and desires to be thought to be.
Sir,
Worthenbury, Yours, to serve you,
Feb. 27, 1660. Philip Henry.*
The Articles* preliminary to the marriage bear
date March 20, 1650, and stipulate for the solem-
nization '* at or before the first day of May next
ensuing.'^ Circumstances, however, arose which
seemed to render procrastination expedient,' and a
fresh difficulty having presented itself to the mind
of Mr. Matthews, it is, in a letter dated Worthen-
bury, June 13, 1650, thus amiably referred to. '^ Far
be it from me to blame your due paternal care ; but
truly, Sir, my condition being such as, blessed be
God, it is, and my desires and expectations being
proportioned accordingly, and no way exceeding, I
e Orig. MS.
d Ibid.
0 Original, in Mr. Henry's hand.wiiting. Penes me.
f P. Henry. Orig. MS.
R Orig. MS.
h See Gibson's Codex, v. 1. p. 424. fol. 1761.
am apt to think it might be an easy matter to remove
that obstruction. For my own part I am willing tt
refer it to yourself. You may deal in it as you see
cause, and I shall acquiesce in your pleasure, — only
favour me in her towards whom my affections are,
which is the g^eat request and sole ambition, in
this present address, of. Sir, your friend and servant
in the Lord, Philip Henry.''']
His purpose of marriage was published ** in the
church three Lord's days before ; a laudable prac-
tice, which he greatly approved, and persuaded
others to.
The day before his marriage, [which took place
April 26, 1660,] he kept as a day of secret prayer
and fasting.'
He used to say, those who would have comfort in
that change of their condition, must see to it, that
they bring none of the guilt of the sins of their
single state with them into the married state. And,
—the presence of Christ at a wedding will turn
the water into wine; and he will come if he be
invited by prayer.
[The first letter I find addressed to Mrs. Henry
after their marriage, is dated London. It well exhi-
bits the affection, the happiness, and the piety of the
writer.
London, Oct 9, 1660.
Dear heart ;
I bless God, I am safe and well at London. I
came from Oxford yesterday morning alone, but the
Lord was with me ; it was a long journey, but I
was stirring betimes. I was nine miles on my way
before eight o'clock, and came an hour or .two
before sun-set to Thistleworth. Towards the end of
my journey, for three or four miles, where was most
danger, it pleased God I had company, which was
a g^eat mercy. I met many soldiers upon the way,
going homewards upon their disbanding, towards
their several countries, and I was sometimes afraid
of them. They were by two and three in a company,
but the Lord preserved me. This morning I came
to Chelsea, where I saw my sisters, in health, blessed
be God, and overjoyed to see me ; from thence, this
afternoon, to London. I have been with cousin
Thomas Hotchkis, from whom I received a letter to
Sir Orlando Bridgman'' from Mr. Eddow ; and, to*
morrow I purpose, God willing, to wait upon his
lordship, expecting a charge from him, in the first
place, about conformity, wherein yet I shall do as I
sec cause, in case I should be continued at Wor-
thenbury. The ministers here are generally unan-
i Appendix, No. X.
k Sir O. Bridgman, made Lord Keeper in 1667. See Granger's
Biog. Hist, or England, v. 3. p. 361. ed. 1779 ; and Bfr. Chalroen'i
Biog. Diet V. 6. p. 609. Mr. Henry styles him, « His lordship,**
he being then Chief Baron of the Exchequer.
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
43
imooSy and resolved. Dr. Sheldon was installed
BUhop of London to-day. The King is gone into
the country for a fortnight, daring the trial of his
father^s jndges, to prevent petitions. I sleep to-
night at Mrs. Kingston's, who desires to be remem-
bered to you, and to Mr. Puleston, and his wife.
I wrote to yon, by the last post, from Oxford.
Commend me to sister Mary, and all that ask of
me. Dear heart, make mnch of thyself, and love
me; and the Lord everlasting be thy Snn and
Shield ! So prayetfa.
Thine, in all affection,
Philip Henry.*]
He took all occasions while he lived, to express
his thankfulness to God for the greRt comfort he
had in this relation. A day of mercy, so he writes
OD his marriage day, never to be forgotten. God
kad given him one, as he writes afterwards, every
ray his helper, in whom he had much comfort, and
for whom he thanked God with all his heart He
vrites in his Diary, April 26, 1680, This day we
haTC been married twenty years, in which time we
have received of the Lord more than twenty thousand
mercies ; to God be glory. Sometimes he writes, —
We have been so long married, and never reconciled;
that is, there never was any occasion for if His
usaal prayer for his friends in the married state,
was according to his own practice in that state ;—
that they might be mutually serviceable to each
other's faith and holiness, and jointly serviceable to
God's honour and glory.
Her father, though he put some hardships upon
him in the terms, and had been somewhat averse to
the match, yet, by Mr. Henry's great prudence, and
God's good providence, was influenced to give a
free consent to it ; and he himself, with his own
hand, gave her in marriage. From this, as from
other experiences, Mr. Henry had learned to say
vith assurance,— It is not in vain to wait upon God,
and to keep his way. Mr. Matthews settled part of
his estate before marriage upon them and theirs ;
he lived about seven years after; and when he died,
the remainder of it came to them. This competent
ettate, which the divine Providence brought into
lis hand, was not only a comfortable support to him
vhen he was turned oat of his living, and when
Bttny faithful ministers of Christ were reduced to
great poverty and straits ; but it enabled him like-
vise, as he had opportunity, to preach the gospel
freely, which he did to his dying day ; and not only
lOrigMS.
• Pomponios Atticus, making the funeral oration at ttie deatli
of his mother, did protest, that, liring with her threescore and
KTeo yttra, he wsa never reconciled unto her. Sc nunquam cum
natie in gntiam ivdiiaae ; because there never happened between
than the leaat^ wbich needed reconciliation. Cited in Fuller's
Holy State, ^ IS. fbl. 1683.
■ Eialt godUncfli In thy fiunily. That thou art really, which
so, but to give for the relief of others that were in
want, in which he sowed plentifully to a veiy large
proportion of his income: and often blessed God
that he had wherewithal, remembering the words of
the Lord, how he said, — It is more blessed to give
than to receive.
Such was his house, and such the vine which
God g^raciously planted by the side of his house.
By her God gave him six children, all born within
less than eight years ; the two eldest, — sons, John
and Matthew; the other four,— daughters, Sarah,
Katharine, Eleanor, and Ann. His eldest son John
died of the measles in the sixth year of hb age ; and
the rest were in mercy continued to him.
The Lord having built him up into a family, he
was careful and faithful in making good his solemn
vow at his ordination, that he and his house would
serve the Lord, He would often say,— That we are
really, which we are relatively. ** It is not so much
what we are at church, as what we are in our fami-
lies. Religion in the power of it will be family re-
ligion. In this his practice was very exemplary ; he
was one that walked before his house in a perfect
way, with a perfect heart, and therein behaved him-
self wisely. His constant care and prudent endea-
vour, was not only to put away iniquity far from his
tabernacle, but that where he dwelt the word of
Christ might dwell richly. If he might have no
other church, yet he had a church in his house,'*
He made conscience of closet worship, and did
abound in it, not making his family worship to ex-
cose for that. He hath this affecting note in his
Diary, upon the removing of his closet but from one
room in the house to another ;— This day, saith he,
my new closet was consecrated, if I may so say, with
this prayer, — ^That all the prayers that ever should be
made in it according to the will of God, morning,
evening, and at noon-day, ordinary or extraordinary,
might be accepted of God, and obtain a gracious
answer. Amen and Amen, It was the caution and
advice which he frequently gave to his children and
friends, — be sure you look to your secret duty ; keep
that up whatever you do. The soul cannot prosper
in the neglect of it. He observed, that apostasy ge-
nerally begins at the closet door. Secret prayer is
first neglected, and carelessly performed, then fre-
quently omitted, and after a while wholly cast off ;
and then farewell God, and Christ, and all religion.^
[In reference to this duty, the following important
observations occur.
Besides the deadness, and coldness, the distrac-
— — . ■
thou art relatively. Swinnock's Heaven and Hell Epitomised,
&c. 4to. 1663. £p. to the Reader.
o 1 Cor. xvi. 19.
p Be much in secret fellowship with God in duty. It is secret
trading that enriches a Chnstian. P. Henry. Orig. MS. See the
Life of Mr. Tapper Noncon. Mem. v. 1. p. 359. ■/ supra.
Judge yourselves by secret acu ; follow yourselves into your
closets and retiring places^d observe your diligence, endevour,
¥
THE LIFE OF MR PHILIP HENRY.
tions, and wanderings, which the people of God
often find cause to complain of, there is, also, a kind
of weariness which many times seizes their spirits.
Something from within calls upon them to have
done, — 'enough for this time, — you may conclude
now,'— before a quarter, or, perhaps, half a quarter,
of an hour be fully spent. Against this we have
great need to watch. If the devil cannot keep us
from God, he will try to work a lothness to tarry
with him. We are to look upon it as a cursed mem-
ber of that body of death which we carry about with
us ; one of the Canaanites left behind, to be a thorn
in our eyes, and a goad in our sides. We are to be
really and deeply sensible of it, and affected with it,
and to mourn under it as our burthen. A few for-
mal, customary complaints to one another, that so it
is with us, will not serve. We should be humbled in
secret before the Lord, and take shame to ourselves.
It is a sign we are very unfit for heaven. We should
consider that prayer is not only our duty but our
privilege. We should get our hearts filled with love
to God, and look up to the Spirit, and put that sweet
promise in suit, Isa. xl. 29, &c. He giveth power to
thefainty ^c. We should go on against the tempta-
tion. When we think we shall be heard the sooner
for long praying, we are like the heathen, Matthew
vi. 7. When we use long praying for a pretence,
we are like the Pharisees, Matthew xxiii. 14. Yet
neither instance condemns a long prayer as in itself
a sin ; see Luke vi. 12. One being oppressed with
this corruption, and drooping under it, a godly
friend, who was acquainted with his condition,
meeting him suddenly, said, * I will tell you good
news, the best that ever you heard. As soon as you
are in heaven, you shall serve the Lord Jesus, with-
out being weary,' which much revived him.**
In continuation of the same subject, Mr. Henry
thus writes ;— The spirit deals not with us as stocks
and stones, but as rational creatures, Hosea xi. 4.
He expects, and requires, that we should put forth
ourselves to the utmost towards the working our
hearts into a fervent frame, and where we are weak,
and wanting, he comes with help. Thus much seems
to be implied in that expression, — the Spirit helpeth
oHr infirmitiesy — particula oip ad nos lahorantes re-
fertur, Beza, It is an allusion to a man who has
a g^eat burthen, suppose a heavy log of wood, to
carry, and he cannot manage it unless some one will
come, and lay a shoulder under one end.' But if
that help be offered, he is not altogether excused.
He must lay his shoulder under the other end. If
we find our hearts dead, and dull, and indisposed
to prayer, we are ready, presently, to cast the blame
and spirit, in your hidden waye», and secret duties; Tor wliat
you are in them, that you are indeed. The Case and Cure of a
Deserted Soule, by Jos. Symonds, p. 65. duod. 1641.
q p. Henry. Orig. MS.
r See Biabop WjJkin'8 Disc, concerning the Gill of Prayer, p. 8.
^t/od, jam ^
upon the Spirit, — All our life is from him. That is
true ; but he conveys life in the use of the means.
And, commonly, the fault, that we do not receive
more life and quickening from him, is in ourselves.
We are wanting in stirring up our affections, in la-
bouring with our hearts, by meditation, which is a
special means. The Spirit meettth him that rejoic-
eth and worketh righteousness. Sometimes, how-
ever, a cause of deadness may be overmuch confi-
dence in ourselves ; when we set about duties in our
own strength, and have no eye to the Spirit, but rely
altogether upon self, Philippians iii. 3. This is as
bad as the other. The true mean between both is
this ; — so to labour with our hearts as if we were to
expect no assistance from the Spirit, and yet so to
rely upon his aid, as if with our own hearts we had
laboured nothing.*
Again : In reply to the inquiry, When we are
called to duty, may we be sure it is always from the
Spirit? Is it not possible that Satan may have a
hand in the stirring of us up to prayer ?^ Mr. Henry
writes as follows : —
It is possible he may. The devil transforms him-
self into an angel of light. This is one of his extra-
ordinary devices. Where he moves us once to
prayer, he moves ten thousand times to sin ; where
he moves once to perform duty, he moves ten thou-
sand times to neglect it. When he doth so, it is
always with a design. You may be sure it is neither
out of love to us, nor out of love to prayer, for there
is no duty he is so much an enemy to. His object is
ever some advantage against us ; and usually this ;
^•he observes a time when the soul is most dead, and
heavy, and unfit for prayer, and then he spurs on to
it with as much eagerness as if it were the very spirit
of grace. Now when deadness and distraction mark
our performance, he takes occasion to trouble and
disquiet us. Thus he often tires out young converts.
This is one of the depths of Satany which believers
ought to know and study, that they may be armed
against it. Besides, in general, when the Spirit
calls, he helps and enlarges ; so doth not Satan."
Further, he remarks ; — If we find ourselves at any
time indisposed and unfit for prayer, is it not best
to let it quite alone ? "^ We are not to choose rather
to omit a duty than not to perform it in a right man-
ner. It is incumbent on Christians, ordinarily, to
set apart that time for prayer, both by themselves
and in their families, wherein they are most likely
to be at liberty from diversions and distractions.
And, when duty is required of us, and we find our-
selves unfit for it, we are to take pains beforehand,
with our own hearts, to see if it may not he possible,
• P. Henry. Orig. BIS.
t Ibid.
tt Ibid.
V When thou feelest thyself most indisposed to prayer, >ield not
to it, but strive and endeavour to pray, even when thou thinkest
thou canst not pray. Hilderaam's Lect on Ps. li. p. 64. foL 16^
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
in the use of means, to shake it off. So that if, after
all oor pains taken with ourselves, we yet continue
onfit, we are, notwithstanding, to perform the doty,
though with grief of heart at oor onpreparedness
for it.-
To return.] He advised, — ^That secret duty be per-
fomed secretly ; which was the admonition he gave
sometimes to those who caused their voice to be heard
on high in that duty.
[There are two doors, be would say, to be shut
when we go to prayer; the door of our closet, that
we may be secret ; the door of our hearts, that we
may be serious. *]
Besides this, he and his wife constantly prayed
t<^ether morning and evening ; and never, if they
were together, at home or abroad, was it intermitted :
and from his own experience of the benefit of this
fnactice, he would take all opportunities to recom-
mend it to those in that relation, as conducing very
reuch to the comfort of it, and to their furtherance
in that which, he would often say, is the great duty
of yoke- fellows ; and that is, to do all they can to
belp one another to heaven. He would say, that
lliis duty of hnsbands and wives prajring together,
is intimated in that of the apostle, 1 Peter iii. 7.
there they are exhorted to live as heirs together of
the grmee of life, that their prayers, especially their
prayers together, be not hindered: that nothing may
be done to hinder them from praying together, nor
to hinder them in it, nor to spoil the success of those
prayers. This sancti6es the relation, and fetcheth
in a blessing npon it, makes the comforts of it the
more sweet, and the cares and crosses of it the more
easy, and is an excellent means of preserving and
increasing love in the relation. Many to whom he
hath recommended the practice of this duty, have
blessed God for him, and for his advice concerning
it. When he was abroad, and lay mth any of his
friends, he would mind them of his rule,— That they
who lie together, must pray together. In the per-
formance of this part of his daily worship he was
usually short, bnt often much affected.
[He reconmiended it to others, that the wife should
be sometimes called npon to pray with the husband,
that she might learn to perform duty in the family in
the husband's absence, or in case he be removed by
death, which he hath sometimes pressed upon his
w P Heniy. Orig MS.
» P. Henry. Orig. BiS. •• Pray alone. Let prayer be the key of
the morning, and the lK>it of the night." P. Henry. See Memoira
of lira Savage, 3d ed. p. 8. Bishop Taylor says, that, " w ith them
that are not stark irreligious, prayer u the key to open the day,
uid the bolt to shut in the night " Works, y. I. p. 145. oct. ed. tu
n^B. And of Bishop Ridley it is afflnned, that ** he used to make
his religioos addreaaes unto God, both as a key to open the door
in the mflnnng to bis daily employments, and as a bolt, to shut
uid close them up all at evening again.'* Puller's Abel Rediyivus,
[». 195i 4ta 1S9SL
7 Life. Orig. MS, minora
* I^ A. O 1G30. Ob. Nor. 38, ldD4. Ufe by Dr. Birch, oct 1753.
friends, who have had much comfort in taking his
counsel. It is comfortable if the moon rises when
the sun sets. '
Besides these, he made conscience, and made a
business, of family worship, in all the parts of it ;
and in it he was uniform, steady, and constant, from
the time that he was first called to the charge of a
family to his dying day ; and, according to his own
practice, he took all occasions to press it upon others.
His doctrine once, from Joshua xxiv. 15. was, — That
family worship is family duty. He would say,
sometimes^ if the worship of God be not in the
house, write, — Lord, have mercy upon us, on the
door; for there is a plague, a curse, in it. It is the
judgment of Archbishop Tillotson,' in that excellent
book,* which he published a little before his death,
upon this subject, — That constant family worship is
so necessary to keep alive a sense of God and re-
ligion in the minds of men, that he sees not how any
family that neglects it can in reason be esteemed a
family of Christians, or indeed to have any religion
at all. How earnestly would Mr. Henry reason with
people sometimes about this matter, and tell them
what a blessing it would bring upon them and their
houses, and all that they had ! He that makes his
house a little church, shall find that God will make
it a little sanctuary. It may be of use to give a par-
ticular account of his practice in this matter, because
it was very exemplary. As to the time of it, his rule
was, commonly, the earlier the better, both morning
and evening ; in the morning, before worldly busi-
ness crowded in, — Early will I seeh thee. He that
is the first, should have the first. Nor is it fit that
the worship of God should stand by and wait while
the world's turn is served. And early in the even-
ing, before the children and servants began to be
sleepy ; and therefore, if it might be, he would have
prayer at night before supper, that the body might
be the more fit to serve the soul in that service of God.
And indeed he did industriously contrive all the
circumstances of his family worship, so as to make
it most solemn, and most likely to answer the end.
He always made it the business of every day, and
not, as too many make it, a bye-business. This being
his fixed principle, all other affairs must be sure to
give way to this."* And he would tell those who ob-
jected against family-worship, that they could not
An interesting occurrence between the Archbishop, when Dean
of St. Paul's, and his father, is recorded by Dr. Fa wcett, in the Life
of Oliver Hey wood. p. 139. A similar anecdote is also related of
Sir Thomas More, when Lord Chancellor. Sec his Life by Cayley,
V. 1. p. 112.
■ ArchbishopTiUotson's Works, v. 3. p. 42-2. oct. 1742.
t It was the observation of an excellent man. that, when he did
hasten over holy duties, out of an over eager desire to follow his
worldly business, he did many times meet with a crosR in his
business ; but, when he did take his ordinary time. God did make
his other business to succeed the better, or else his mind was
brought to submit to the will of God. The Life of Blr. John Rowe,
duod. 1673. p 41
46
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
get time for it ; that, if they would but put on Chris-
tian resolution at first, they would not find the diffi-
culty so great as they imagined ; but, after a while,
their other aflfairs would fall in easily and naturally
with this, especially where there is that wisdom
which is profitable to direct. Nay, they would find
it to be a g^eat preserver of order and decency in a
family, and it would be like a hem to all their other
business, to keep it from ravelling. He was ever
careful to have all his family present at family-
worship ; though sometimes, living in the country,
he had a great household ; yet he would have not
only his children and sojourners, if he had any, and
domestic servants, but his worknien and day-la-
bourers, and all that were employed for him, if they
were within call, to be present, to join with him in
this service ; and, as it was an act of his charity
many times to set them to work for him, so to that
he added this act of piety, to set them to work for
God. And usually, when he paid his workmen their
wages, he gave them some good counsel about their
souls. Yet, if any that should come to family wor-
ship, were at a distance, and must be stayed for
long, he would rather want them, than put the duty
much out of time ; and would sometimes say, at
night, — Better one away, than all sleepy.
The performances of his family worship ' were the
same morning and evening. He observed that,
under the law, the morning and the evening lamb
had the same meat-ofiering and drink-offering,
Exodus xxix. 38—41. He always began with a
short, but very solemn, prayer, imploring the divine
presence and grace, assistance and acceptance;
particularly begging a blessing upon the word to be
read, in reference to which he often put up this pe-
tition,— That the same Spirit that indited the Scrip-
ture, would enable us to understand the Scripture,
and to make up something to ourselves out of it that
may do us good. And, esteeming the word of God
as his necessary food, he would sometimes pray in
a morning, that our souls might have a good meal
out of it. He commonly concluded even this short
prayer, as he did also his blessings before and after
meat,*^ with a doxology, as Paul, upon all occasions,
— ^To him be glory, &c. which is properly adoration,
and is an essential part of prayer.
He next sung a psalm, and commonly he sung
David's Psalms in order, throughout; sometimes
using the old translation, but generally Mr. Bar-
e See Tong's Lite of Matt Henry, nttvpra, p. 124. &c. Mr. Wesley,
recommending P Henry's Life, pointed out his mode of perform-
ing family worship as a pattern. Minutes of Conference, v. I. p. 76.
d Bishop Butler, after pressing the habitual exercise of secret
prayer, observes, that " A duty of the like kind, and serving to the
same purpose, is the particular acknowledgment of God when we
are partaking of his bounty at our meals. The neglect of this is said
to have been scandalous to a proverb in the heathen world ; but
it is without shame laid aside at the tables of the highest and the
lowest rank among us." Chaige to the Clergy of Durham, 1751.
Works, V. 2. p. 48. See the Spectator, No 456.
ton's :* and his usual way was to sing a whole psalm
throughout, though perhaps a long one, and to sing
quick, yet with a good variety of proper and pleasant
tunes ; and, that he might do so, usually the psalm
was sung without reading the line betwixt, every
one in the family having a book, which he preferred
much before the common way of singing, where it
might conveniently be done, as more agreeable to
the practice of the primitive church, and the re-
formed churches abroad; and by this means he
thought the duty more likely to be performed in the
spirit, and with the understanding ; the sense being
not so broken, nor the affections interrupted, as in
reading the line betwixt. He would say, that a
scripture ground for singing psalms in families,
might be taken from Psalm cxviii. 15 ; — The voice of
rejoicing and of salvation is in the tabernacles of the
righteous ; and that it is a way to hold forth godli-
ness, like Rahab's scarlet thread, Joshua ii. 17. to
such as pass by our windows.
He next read a portion of Scripture, taking the
Bible in order ; he would sometimes blame those who
only pray in their families, and do not read the
Scripture. In prayer, we speak to God; by the
word, he speaks to us ; — and is there any reason,
saith he, that we should speak all? In the taber-
nacle the priests were every day to bum incense,
and to light the lamps ; the former, figuring the
duty of prayer, the latter the duty of reading the
word. Sometimes he would say, — ^Those do well
that pray morning and evening in their families ;
those do better that pray and read the Scriptures ;
but those do best of all that pray, and read, and
sing psalms ; and Christians should covet earnestly
the best gifts.
He advised the reading of the Scripture in order;
for, though one star in the firmament of the Scrip-
ture differ from another star in glory, yet, wherever
God hath a mouth to speak, we should have an ear
to hear ; and the diligent searcher ' may find much
excellent matter in those parts of Scripture, which
we are sometimes tempted to think might have been
spared. How affectionately would he sometimes
bless God for every book, and chapter, and verse,
and line, in the Bible !
[Every word of God, he would say, is good, but
especially God, the Word, How sweet is it to a lost,
undone sinner, to be acquainted with a Saviour! >]
What he read in his family, he always expounded ;
e See Wood's Ath. Oxon. «/ titpra, vol. 3. p. 303. The Psalms
and Hymns were first printed by act of Parliament, Oct 1645.
Ibid.
f Beloved, if you doe but take any piece of this word, and stay
upon it, as the bee doth upon the flower, and will not oflTtill you
have got somewhat out of it ; if you be still digging in this mine,
this would make you rich in knowledge \ and, if you be rich in
knowledge, it will make you rich in grace likewise. The New
Covenant, by Dr. Preston, pp. 4M, 455. 4to. 1630.
r P. Henry. Orig. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
47
and exhorted all ministers to do so, as an excellent
means of increasing their acquaintance with the
Scriptare. His expositions were not so mach criti-
cal as plain, and practical, and nsefnl ; and such as
tended to edification, and to answer the end for
which the Seriptares were written, which is to make
us wise to salvation. And herein he had a peculiar
excellence, performing that daily exercise with so
much judgment, and at the same time with such
facility and clearness, as if eyery exposition had
been premeditated ; and very instructive they were,
as well as affecting to the auditors. His observations
were many times very pretty and surprising, and
such as one shall not ordinarily meet with. Com-
monly, in his expositions, he reduced the matter of
the chapter or psalm read to some heads ; not by a
logical analysis, which often minceth it too small,
and confounds the sense with the terms; but by
SQch a distribution as the matter did most easily and
imforcedly fall into. He often mentioned that say-
ing of Tertullian's, " I adore the fulness of the
Scriptures i" and sometimes that, — Scriptura semper
h§het aliquid reUgentihus, When sometimes he had
hit upon some useful observation that was new to
hira, he would say afterwards to those about him, —
How often have I read this chapter, and never before
now took notice of such a thing in it \^ He put his
children, while they were with him, to write these
expositions ; and when they were gone from him,
the strangers that sojourned with him did the same.
What collections his children had, though but broken
and very imperfect hints, yet, when afterwards they
were disposed of in the world, were of good use to
them and their families. Some expositions of this
nature, that is, plain and practical, and helping to
raise the affections and g^ide the conversation by
the word, he often wished were published by some
good hand for the benefit of families : but such was
his great modesty and self-diffidence, though few
more able for it, that he would never be persuaded
to attempt any thing of that kind himself. As an
evidence how much his heart was upon it, to have
the word of God read and understood in families,
take this .passage out of his last will and testament ;
—I give and bequeath to each of my four daughters,
Mr. Poole's' English Annotations upon the Bible, in
two volumes, of the last and best edition that shall
k See a like testimony of the Hey. Geo. PhiUps. Mathers Hist
of New England, Book III. p. 83.
i The author of the Synopsis Criticoram. Nat 1034, ob. 1679.
or that elabonte work the foUowing notices appear in Mr. HenrjTs
divjx-
MO, Dec. la I sent 30*. to Mr. T&lents. with Mr. Down's ac-
(pilttancefor the SOt. formerly paid upon Mr. Poole*s propositions,
ud am now to receive the lint volnme, and the second hereafter,
vbenteiriied. Orig. MS.
1678, Oct. 9L I have received the Ave Tolumes of Mr. Poole*s
Syoopsi*, and do admowledge myself therewith superabundantly
mXuied, retnming beaity thanks to him for his worthy pains, and
heuty poise to Ood for his giacious aaiifltance, without which it
be to be had at the time of my decease, together
with Mr. Barton's last and best translation of the
Singing Psalms, one to each of them ; requiring and
requesting them to make daily use of the same, for
the instruction, edification, and comfort of them-
selves and their families.
But it is time we proceed to the method of his
family worship.
The chapter or psalm being read and expounded,
he required from his children some account of what
they could remember of it; and sometimes would
discourse with them plainly and familiarly about it,
that he might lead them into an acquaintance with it ;
and, if it might be, impress something of it upon
their hearts.
He then prayed, and always kneeling, which he
looked upon as the fittest and most proper gesture
for prayer ; and he took care that his family should
address themselves to the duty, with the outward
expressions of reverence and composedness. He
usually fetched his matter and expressions in prayer,
from the chapter that was read, and the psalm that
was sung, which was often very affecting, and helped
much to stir up and excite praying graces.^ He
sometimes observed in those Psalms, where reference
is had to the Scripture stories, as Psalm Ixxxiii. and
many others, that those who are well acquainted
with the Scriptures, would not need to make use of
the help of prescribed forms, which are very neces-
sary for those that cannot do the duty without them,
but unbecoming those that can ; as a go-cart is
needful to a child, or crutches to one that is lame,*
but neither of them agreeable to one that needs
them not. It was the comparison he commonly
used in this matter.
[In recommending the use of free prayer, he would
sometimes say, — Consider, whether it be possible to
draw up a form that shall reach to all a man's par-
ticular occasions ; that shall serve in adversity, as
well as prosperity ; when sick, as when in health.
We are to pray always, in every thing. The Lord's
Prayer is the most complete, and perfect, and com-
prehensive, that can be, yet we never find either
Christ himself, or his apostles, making use of it, but
still varying, according to their present occasion.
True, all petitions may be reduced to it ; see John
xvii. and Acts iv. But, what folly were it, if a man
could not have been brought to pass. P. H. Orig. MS. See Mr.
Chalmers's Biog. Diet v. 25. p. 154, &c. There the particulars
relatire to the publication of the Synopsis are preserved.
k See a like statement as to Blr. Wheatley. Fuller's Abel
Redivivus, p. 504. irf ntfra.
1 A Christian, in the want of gifts, may lawfully use a set forme
of prayer, as a man that hath a weake backe, or a lame legge,
may lean upon a enteh. Perkins's Works, v. 3. p. 07. fol. 1617.
A prescribed forme, eyther conned by heart, or read out of a
booke, is very helpefhll; as a entek, for one that is lame in his
limbes. Yet let me give this caution,— that wee doe not alwaies
tye ourself es to a forme of word& An Expos, on the Parable of
the Prodigal Son, by Nehemiah Rogere, pp. 105, 166. 4to. 1633.
48
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
should get a petition drawn up, and then resolve,
whatever be his straits, to deliver only that petition.
— Consider, whether you do not find forms deadening
things. If a preacher should preach the same ser-
mon over, in the same congregation, twenty times,
or oftener, in a year, would it not quite weary and
tire out his hearers ? Were it not the ready way to
preach them all asleep ? It is one considerable pre-
judice that is in the hearts of some against praying
by the Spirit,*" that many times the same thing is
repeated. Supposing it to be so, yet, whether is
worse, — always to repeat the same prayer, or, now
and then, to repeat one and the same expression in
prayer? — Consider, whether forms do not pervert the
very nature of prayer. In prayer there should be,
first, desires, and then words to express those desires.
But in forms, first, words are prescribed, and then
desires are to be stirred up to answer to those words.
It may be objected ;— ' I am not learned, as others
are ; neither have I such parts as others have ;
therefore, it is best for me to pray out of a book.'
This is grounded upon a mistake ; it is not learning
and parts, but grace, that doth it ;— it is the Spirit of
grace and supplication ; not of learning and suppli-
cation. I deny not, but where grace and natural
abilities are together in the same person, there, ordi-
narily, a man is the more powerful in prayer; I
mean, in affecting others who join ; and yet, another,
who wants those abilities, and is truly godly, may
pray as acceptably, and speed as well in prayer, as he.
But it is said,—' I distrust myself, I dare not go
to God with a prayer of my own inditing ; it is, there-
fore, best for me to borrow one that may have some
method and elegance in it.' This also is grounded
upon a mistake. God regards not elegancy in
prayer." He cares not how little there is of the head
in the duty, so there be a great deal of the heart.
We must be well acquainted with that boldness of
access which we have to God, upon all occasions,
by Jesus Christ, else we shall never do any thing
this way. Hebrews iv. 14—16. We must approach
God in prayer as children to a father. Ignorance
of this causes formality and ceremony. Is not a
tender-hearted father far more delighted with the
lispings and stanmiering^ of his littie child, when it
first begins to speak, than with the neatest, finest
speech that he can hear from another ? And what is
the reason ? Why, it is his child. Take a noble-
man's child, and what doth he do when he wants
clothes, or other necessaries? Go to a scrivener
m They, says Bishop Hopkins, who use prescribed and set forms
of prayer, pray by the Spirit^ when their petitions are accompanied
with fervent affections, stirred in them by the Holy Ghost
Works, vol. I. p. 257. oct. ed.
tt Though it be the duty of every person to labour for fit words
of prayer, yet God doth not hear prayer for the elegancy of phrase,
but for the heavenliness, and spiritualness, and brokenness of
heart of him that prayes. The Christian compleatly Aimed, by
Mr. Ralph Robinson, p. 172. duod. I(U6.
and get a petition drawn, to present it to his father !
No ; he comes with boldness, — * Father, I want
clothes; will you please to give me them?' Whereas,
another must observe ceremonies, and circumstances,
or else have no hopes of success.*]
In family prayer he was usually most full in giving
thanks for family mercies, confessing family sins,
and begging family blessings. Very particular he
would sometimes be in prayer for his family ; if any
were absent, they were sure to have an express peti-
tion put up for them. He used to observe, concern-
ing Job i. 6. that he offered burnt-offerings for his
children, according to the number of them ally an offier-
ing for each child ; and so would he sometimes in
praying for his children, put up a petition for efich
child. He always observed, at the annual return
of the birth-day of each of his children, to bless God
for his mercy to him and his wife in that child ; the
giving of it, the continuance of it, the comfort they
had in it, &c. with some special request to God for
that child. Every servant and sojourner, at their
coming into his family, and their going out, besides
the daily remembrances of them, had a particular
petition put up for them, according as their circum-
stances were. The strangers, that were at any time
within his gates, he was wont particularly to recom-
mend to God in prayer, with much affection and
Christian concern for them and their concernments.
He was daily mindful of those that desired his pray-
ers P for them, and would say, sometimes, — It is a
great comfort that God knows who we mean in
prayer, though we do not name them. Particularly
providences concerning the country, as to health or
sickness, good or bad weather, or the like, he com-
monly took notice of in prayer, as there was occa-
sion ; and would often beg of God to fit us for the
next providence, whatever it might be. Nor did he
ever forget to pray for the peace of Jerusalem,
[He maintained, that supplication must be made
for all saints ; for those you do not know, as well as
for those you do ; for those that differ from you, as
well as for those with whom you agree ; for those who
are in prosperity, as well as in adversity. For aU
saints, because all are alike related to* Jesus Christ;
because all are alike related to you, as fellow-mem-
bers ; and it will be an evidence you love them, as
brethren, when you love them all, and pray for them
all. When you have nearest communion with God.
then remember me, said Bernard <i to a friend ; then
speak, say I, for the church.']
o p. Henry. Orig. MS. See Dr. Owen's Work*, vol. 4. p. I, &c.
oct. 1823. Treatise on the Work of the Holy Spirit in Prayer.
P Not to care for the prayers of others is pride -. not to put up
prayers for others is uncharitableness. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
q See Flavel's Seaman's Farewell. Works, vol. 6. p. 395. oct.
1770 ; and Milner's Church Hist. v. 3. p. 330, &c. v/ supra. Bernard
died, A. D. 1153. aet. about 63.
r P. Henry. Orig. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
49
He always concluded family prayer, both morning
and evening, with a solemn benediction, after the
doxology ; — The blessing of God Almighty, the Fa-
ther, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with us, &c.
Thos did he daily bless his household.
Immediately after the prayer was ended, his chil-
dren together, with bended knee, asked blessing of
him and their mother ; that is, desired of them to
pray to God to bless them: which blessing* was
given with great solemnity and affection ; and if any
of them were absent, they were remembered, — The
Lord bless yon and your brother, or, — ^you and your
niter, that is absent
This was his daily worship, which he never alter-
ed, unless, as is after mentioned, nor ever omitted
any pait of, though he went from home never so
early, or retamed never so late, or had never so much
buaness for his servants to do. He would say, that
sonetiiiies he saw cause to shorten them ; but he
woold never omit any of them ; for, if an excuse be
OBee admitted for an omission, it will be often re-
tondng. He was not willing, unless the necessity
veie urgent, that any should go from his house in a
■oming before family worship ; but, upon such an
occasion, would mind his friends, that, — prayer and
provender never hinder a journey.'
He managed his daily family worship so as to
make it a pleasure, and not a task, to his children
and servants ; for he was seldom long, and never
tcdioos in the service; the variety of tlic duties
made it the more pleasant ; so that none who joined
vith him had ever any reason to say. Behold, what
• w€0rin€s$ it it ! Such an excellent faculty he had
of iradering religion the most ^weet and amiable
employment in the world ; and so careful was he,
like Jacoby to drive as the children could go, not put-
ting new wine into old bottles. If some good people,
that mean well, would do likewise, it might prevent
flttny of those prejudices which young persons arc
apt to conceive against religion, when the services of
it are made a toil and a terror to them.
On Thursday evenings, instead of reading, he
his children and servants in the Assem-
• Sec the Ecd. Biog. v. 5. p. 166. n. Also the Supplement to the
Koniag Exerdae, p. 170. 4to. 1674.
t It ii a true pro? erb,~Prayer and provender hinder no man.
The Svppl to the Mom. Exerc. W ntpra. p. 287.
• Mr. AlTEUKier Chalmers snggesto that Collins may be a mis.
ipdliaf fkv ColUnges. Dr. ColUnges was a voluminous writer;
■e tlir Noneon. Mem. v. 3L p. 9. No Catechism, however, appears
is the list* of his Works ; and every effort to obtain further infor-
MttoB on the sutrfect has been inefl^ctual. It may be observed,
tktt it Is ** midtt *# writUH by Dr. CollixM."
The aoppoaicioii, as to Dr. Colllnges being the author, is the
more Ukely, inamucb as he was usually styled Collins, or rather
ColliDg& Tim, on liis Portrait, by White, 4to. 1678, we read,—
Veim Eflfics Jofasnnit CtQingt^ Si T. P. Anno Dom. 1678. »ta-
tti^
* AppeDdiz, No. Xf. .
> 1M». Sab. Apr. 30th. I have long since beea taught the mtb- '
bly's Catechism, with the Proofs ; or, sometimes, in
a little Catechism, concerning the matter of prayer,
published in the year 1674, and said to be written
by Dr. Collins," which they learned for their help in
the gift of prayer, and he explained it to them. Or
else they read, and he examined them, in some other
useful book, as Mr. Poole's Dialogues against the
Papists,"" the Assembly's Confession of Faith with
the Scriptures, or the like.
On Saturday evenings, his children and servants
gave him an account what they could remember of
the chapters that had been expounded all the week
before, in order, each a several part, helping one
another's memories for the recollecting of it. This
he called, — gathering up the fragments which re-
mained, that nothing might be lost. He would say to
them sometimes, as Christ to his disciples,— ffave
ye understood all these things ? If not, he took that
occasion to explain them more fully. This exercise,
which he constantly kept up all along, was both de-
lightful and profitable, and, being managed by him
with so much prudence and sweetness, helped to
instil into those about him betimes the knowledge
and love of the Holy Scriptures.
When he had sojourners in his family, who were
able to bear a part in such a service, he had com-
monly in the winter time, set weekly conferences,
on questions proposed, for their mutual edification
and comfort in the fear of God ; the substance of
what was said, be himself took, and kept an account
of, ill writing."
But the Lord's day * he called and counted the
queen of days, the pearl of the week,^ and observed
it accordingly. The Fourth Commandment inti-
mates a special regard to be had to the sabbath in
families ; TAou, and thy son, and thy daughter, fyc.
it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.
In this, therefore, he was very exact, and abounded
in the work of the Lord in his family on that day.
Whatever were the circumstances of his public op-
portunities, which varied, as we shall find after-
wards, his family religion on that day was the same.
Extraordinary sacrifices must never supersede the
liath is a sign ; • the institution a sign of God's love to us; the
sanctification, a sign of our love to him. Mrs. Savage. Diary,
Orig. MS.
The opinion of Sir Edward Turner, Speaker of the House of
Commons, at the Prorogation, July 27, 1663. is worth preserving :
— " He that remembers not to keep the Christian Sabbath, at the
beginning of the week, will be in danger to forget, before the end
of the week, that he is a Christian." P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
A statement, like the one last mentioned, is the more observ.
able, because early associations were then generally of another
cast, and repugnant alike to good taste and devotional feeling.
See Alleine's Vindicias Pietatis, p. 129. duod. 1663.
7 The Jews were wont to call it the guftn of daft. One of ours,
now translated into his glorious rest, honours it thus, calling it,—
The map of heaven, the golden spot of the week, the market day of
the soul, the qneen of dayt, &c. Mr. Geo. S«\T\Ttf«X V«iV\%^iwA
• Sm Bxod. bdO. 1), VI ' Vwt'^L. n. V%, t«.
50
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
continual humt-offering amd hii meat-offering^ Namb.
xxviii. 16. His common salutation of his family or
friends, on the Lord's day in the morning, was that
of the primitive Christians ;— TA* Lord it risen ; he
is risen indeed; making it his chief business on that
day to celebrate the memory of Christ's resurrection ;
and he would say, sometimes,— Every Lord's day is
a true Christian's Easter day. ;He took care to have
his family ready early on that day, and was larger
in exposition and prayer on sabbath mornings than
on other days. He would often remember, that,
under the law, the daily sacrifice was doubled on
sabbath days ; two lambs in the morning, and two
in the evening. He had always a particular subject
for his expositions on sabbath mornings ; the har-
mony of the evangelists several times over, the Scrip-
ture prayers, Old-Testament prophecies of Christ ;—
Christ, the true Treasure, so he entitled that subject,
sought and found in the field of the Old Testament.
He constantly sung a psalm after dinner, and an-
other after supper, on the Lord's days. And in the
evening of the day his children and servants were
catechized and examined in the sense and meaning
of the answers in the Catechism ; that they might
itot say it, as he used to tell them, like a parrot,—
by rote. Then the day's sermons were repeated,
commonly by one of his children, when they were
grown up, and while they were with him; and
the family gave an account of what they could
remember of the word of the day, which he en-
deavoured to fasten upon them, as a nail in a sure
place. In his prayers on the evening of the sab-
bath, he was often more than ordinarily enlarg-
ed ; as one that found not only God's service per-
fect freedom, but his work its own wages, and a great
reward, not only after keeping, but, as he used to
observe, from Psalm xix. 11. in keeping, God*s com-
mandments, A present reward of obedience an
obedience. In that prayer he was usually very par-
ticular, in praying for his family, and all that be-
longed to it. It was a prayer he often put up,—
That we might have grace to carry it as a minister,
and a minister's wife, and a minister's children, and
a minister's servants, should carry it, that the minis-
try might in nothing be blamed. He would some-
times be a particular intercessor for the towns and
parishes adjacent. How have I heard him, when he
hath been in the mount with God, in a sabbath-even-
ing prayer, wrestle with the Lord for Chester, and
Shrewsbury, and Nantwich, and Wrexham, and
Whitchurch, &c. those nests of souls, wherein there
are so many, that cannot discern between their right
hand and their left in spiritual things, &c. He closed
his sabbath work in his family with singing Psalm
oxxxiv. and, after it, a solemn blessing of his family.
Wish to the Lord's Day. Supplement to the Morotag Everciae at
Cripplegate, p. 141, ut $wprs. Senn. 6.
[He frequently observed days of humiliation in
his family. Some of those occasions are noted in
his Diary. The following are instances :
1661. July 10. A day of family humiliation. The
Lord was sweetly seen in the midst of us, and I trust
it was a day of atonement. Sin pardoned, requests
made, covenants renewed, in Jesus Christ.
October 10. We kept a day of private prayer, and
humiliation, in the family, and the Lord was with
us. This confession much aflfected me, that things
are not so among us as they should be among those
who are the relations of a minister of Jesus Christ.
Lord, pardon, and grant for time to come it may be
better ! »]
Thus was he prophet and priest in his own house ;
and he was king there too, ruling in the fear of God,
and not suffering sin upon any under his roof.
He had many years ago a man servant, that was
once overtaken in drink abroad ; for which, the next
morning, at family worship, he solemnly reproved
him, admonished him, and prayed for him, with a
spirit of meekness, and soon after parted with him.
But there were many that were his servants, who,
by the blessing of God upon his endeavours, got those
good impressions upon their souls which they retained
ever after ; and blessed God, with all their hearts,
that ever they came under his roof. Few went from
his service till they were married, and went to fami-
lies of their own ; and some, after they had been
married, and had buried their yoke-fellows, returned
to his service again, saying,— 3fa«ter, it is good to
be here.
He brought up his children in the fear of God, with
a g^at deal of care and tenderness, and did, by his
practice, as well as upon all occasions in discourses,
condemn the indiscretion of those parents who are
partial in their aflfections to their children, making
a difi*erence between them, which he observed did
often prove of ill consequence in families ; and lay
a foundation of envy, contempt, and discord, which
turns to their shame and ruin. His carriage towards
his children was with great mildness and gentleness,
as one who desired rather to be loved than feared
by them. He was as careful not to provoke them to
wrathf nor to discourage them, as he was to bring
them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
He ruled indeed, and kept up his authority, but it
was with wisdom and love, and not with a high hand.
He allowed his children a great degree of freedom
with him, which gave him the opportunity of rea-
soning them, not frightening them, into that which
is good. He did much towards the instruction of
his children in the way of familiar discourse, ac-
cording to that excellent directoiy for religious edu-
cation, Deuteronomy vi. 7. — Thou shalt whet these
■ P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
I
r
)
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
61
dingi (so the word is, which, he said, noted frequent
repetition of the same things) ufiofi thy children, and
ikmlt talk of them when thou nttest in thy house, ^c.
wkich made them loye home, and delight in his com-
pany, and greatly endecued religion to them.
[He woald ohserve, sometimes, that there are five
good lessons, which they are hlessed who learn in
the days of their youth.
1. To remember their Creator. Not only remem-
ber that yon haye a Creator, but remember him to
lore him, and fear him, and serve him.
2. To come to Jesus Christ. Every man that hath
heardj mnd hath learned of the Father, cometh unto
me. Behold, he calls yon ; he encourages you to
come to him. He vnll in no wise cast you out,
3. To bear the yoke in youth. The yoke is that
which young ones cannot endure. But it is good for
them to bear it.* The yoke of the cross. If God lay
aflictlon on you when young, do not murmur, but bear
that cross. It is good to be trained up in the school
of affliction. The yoke of Christ. Tahe my yohe. It
is an easy yoke ; his commandments are not grievous.
4. Tofiee youthful lusts. Those who are taught
of God haTC learned this. See that you do not love
your pleasures more than the sanctifying of the sab-
bath. This man is not of God, because he heepeth not
the sahhatk day.
5u To cleanse their way. How? By tahing heed
thereto according to thy word. Love your Bibles.
Meditate in them day and night. And, if you do
thus, you are taught of God.**]
He did not burthen his children's memories by im-
posing upon them the getting of chapters and psalms
without book ; but endeavoured to make the whole
word of God familiar to them, especially the scrip-
tare stories, and to bring them to understand it and
love it, and then they would easily remember it. He
■sed to observe, from Psalm cxix.03. — / will never
fsrget thy jtrecepts,for with them thou hast quichened
me ^— that we are then likely to remember the word
of God when it doth us good.'
He tanght all his children to write himself, and set
them betimes to write sermons, and other things that
mif^t be of use to them. He taught his eldest
dangfater the Hebrew tongue when she was about six
or seven yean old, by an English Hebrew Grammar,
whidi he made on purpose for her ; and she went so
fitf in it, as to be able readily to read and construe
a Hebrew Psalm.
He drew op a short form of the baptismal cove-
it for the use of his children. It was this ; —
OHt bavc not been imired to the yoke of obedience
wtil never endnre the yoke of suffering. P. Henry. Com. Place
Book. Or%. MS.
b P. Henry. Fhm a MS. in the hand-writing of Bfn. Savage.
• *«T1ioie that have received comfort, life, and quickening, by
the word of God, find themadves obliged to remember it for
ever ** Dr. Maaton. UTorfca, vol. i. p. J07. Fol. 1681.
4 To dnoac Cbriit, ^Ot freely and ^eHberateJy, upon advice and I
* M 2
I take God the Father to be my chiefest good
and highest end.
I take God the Son to be my Prince and Saviour.^
I take God the Holy Ghost to be my Sanctifier,
Teacher, Guide, and Comforter.
I take the word of God to be my rule in all my
actions.*
And the people of God to be my people in all
conditions.
I do likewise devote and dedicate unto the Lord,
my whole self, all I am, all I have, and all I
can do.
And this I do deliberately, sincerely, freely, and
for ever.
This he taught his children ; and they each of
them solemnly repeated it every Lord's day in the
evening, after they were catechised, he putting his
Amen to it, and sometimes adding, — So say, and so
do, and you are made for ever.
He also took pains with them to lead them into
the understanding of it, and to persuade them to a
free and cheerful consent to it. And, when they
g^w up, he made them all write it over severally
with their own hands, and very solemnly set their
names to it, which he told them he would keep by
him, and it should be produced as a testimony
against them, in case they should afterwards depart
from God, and turn from following after him.
He was careful to bring his children betimes
(when they were about sixteen years of age) to the
ordinance of the Lord's supper, to take the cove-
nant of God upon themselves, and to make their de-
dication to God their own act and deed ; and a g^eat
deal of pains he took with them, to prepare them
for that great ordinance, and so to translate them
into the state of adult church-membership. And he
would often blame parents, who would think them-
selves undone if they had not their children baptized,
and yet took no care when they grew up and made
a profession of the Christian religion, to persuade
them to the Lord's supper.— It is true, he would say,
buds and blossoms are not fruit, but they give hopes
of fruit ; and parents may, and should, take hold of
the good beginnings of grace which they see in their
children, by those to bind them so much the closer
to, and lead them so much the faster in, the way that
is called holy. By this solemn engagement, the door,
which stood half open before, and invited the thief,
is shut and bolted against temptation. And, to those
who pleaded that they were not fit, he would say, —
consultation with ounelvea, being thoroughly convinced of hit
excelleney, and our own need or him, to accept him at our only
Portion, our Lord and Saviour, renouncing every tiling elae, be
what it will, that may stand in competition with him. P. Henry.
Orig MS.
c It it our principle, that we mu«l moiVLe tkt word tK« tuU oj aU mt
aeliwt. Borroughs'B Motea^s CV^oice, p. ttX. 4\.q. VonK^.
m
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
That the further they went into the world, the less
fit they would be. Qui non est hodie eras minus
aphis erit. Not that phildren should be compelled
to it, nor those that are wilfully ignorant, untoward,
and perverse, admitted to it, but those children that
are hopeful and well inclined to the things of God,
and appear to be concerned in other duties of re-
ligion, when they be(pn to put away childish things,
should be incited, and encouraged, and persuaded
to this, that the matter may be brought to an issue,
— Nay, bui we will serve the Lord ; fast bind, fast
find. Abundant thanksgivings have been rendered
to God by many of his friends for his advice and
assistance herein.
In dealing with his children about their spiritual
state, he took hold of them very much by the handle
of their infant baptism, and frequently inculcated
that upon them, that they were bom in God's house,
and were betimes dedicated and given up to him,
and, therefore, were obliged to be his servants.
Psalm cxvi. 16. / am thy sei'vanty because the son
of thine handmaid. This he was wont to illustrate
to them by the comparison of taking a lease of a fair
estate for a child in the cradle, and putting his life
into it. The child then knows nothing of the matter,
nor is he capable of consenting ; however, then he
is maintained out of it, and hath an interest in it ;
and when he grows up, and becomes able to choose,
and refuse, for himself, if he go to his landlord, and
claim the benefit of the lease, and promise to pay
the rent, and do the services, well and good, he hath
the benefit of it, if otherwise it is at his peril. Now,
children, he would say, our great Landlord was
willing that our lives should be put into the lease of
heaven and happiness, and it was done accordingly,
by your baptism, which is the seal of the righteous-
ness that is by faith ; and by that it was assured to
you, that if you would pay the rent and do the ser-
vice, that is, live a life of faith and repentance, and
sincere obedience, you shall never be turned off the
tenement ; but if now you dislike the terms, and re-
fuse to pay tills rent, (this chief rent, so he would
call it, for it is no rack,) you forfeit the lease. How-
ever, you cannot but say, that you had a kindness
done you, to have your lives put into it. Thus did
he frequently deal with his children, and even tra-
vail in birth again to see Christ formed in them, and
from this topic he generally argued ; and he would
often say, — If infant baptism were more improved,
it would be less disputed.
He not only taught his children betimes to pray,
(which he did especially by his own pattern, his
method and expressions in prayer being very easy
and plain,) but when they were young he put them
f See Tong'sLifc of Matt Henry, p. 18, uinpra.
g Boreatton, near Baschurcli, in Shropshire. See Letters to a
Vouagr Cle/iB^ymaD, v. i. ^. 145, 146.
upon it, to pray together, and appointed them on
Saturdays in the afternoon ' to spend some time to-
gelher, — none but they, and such of their age as
might occasionally be with them,— in reading good
books, especially those for children, and in singing
and praying ; and would sometimes tell them for
their encouragement, that the God with whom we
have to do, understands broken language. And, if
we do as well as we can in the sincerity of our
hearts, we shall not only be accepted, but taught to
do better. To him that hath shall 6; given.
He sometimes set his children, in their own read-
ing of the Scriptures, to gather out such passages as
they took most notice of, and thought most con-
siderable, and write them down. Though this per-
formance was very small, yet the endeavour was
of good use. He also directed them to insert in
a paper book, which each of them had for the pur-
pose, remarkable sayings and stories, which they
met with in reading such other good books as he
put into their hands.
He took a pleasure in relating to them the remark-
able providences of God, both in his own time, and
lit the days of old, which, he said, parents were taught
to do by that appointment. Exodus xii. 26, 27.—
Yotw children shall ash you in time to come. What
mean you by this service, and you shall tell them so
and so.
What his pious care was concerning his children,
and with what a godly jealousy he was jealous over
them, take in one instance. When they had been
for a week or a fortnight kindly entertained at
B ,« as they were often, he thus writes in his
Diary upon their return home ; — ^My care and fear is,
lest converse with such so far above them, though of
the best, should have influence upon them to lift
them up, when I had rather they should be kept
low. For, as he did not himself, so he was very so-
licitous to teach his children, not to mind high things;
not to desire them, not to expect them in this world.**
We shall conclude this chapter vnth another pas-
sage out of his Diary : —
April 12, 1681. This day fourteen years the Lord
took my first-bom son from me, the beginning of
my strength with a stroloe. In the remembrance
whereof my heart melted this evening. I begged
pardon for the Jonah that raised the storm. I blessed
the Lord, that hath spared the rest. I begged mer-
cy,.~mercy for every one of them ; and absolntely
and unreservedly devoted and dedicated them, my-
selfv my whole self, estate, interest, life, to the will
and service of that God from whom I received
all. Fathei, hallowed be thy name. Thy hingdom
come, Sfc,
h Appendix, No. XII.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
&X
CHAPTER V.
S miSCTMENT FROM IVOBTHENBURY i HIS NONCONFORMITY;
IIS RRMOTSS TO BROAD OAK ; AND THE PROVIDBNCBS THAT
KTRRB CONCBRNINO HIM TO THB TBAR 167*i.
Having thus laid together the instances of his
imiiy religion, we must now return to the history
' erents that were concerning him, and are ohliged
• look back to the first year after his marriage,
hich was the year that king Charles the Second
une in ; a year of great changes and struggles in
16 land, which Mr. Baxter, in his Life,* gives a
ill, and clear, and impartial idea of ; by which it
ay easily be guessed how it went with Mr. Henry
I his low and narrow sphere, whose sentiments in
lose things were very much the same with Mr.
axter's.
Many of his best friends in Worthenbury parish
ere lately removed by death; Emeral family con-
ary to what it had been ; and the same spirit,
hich that year reyived all the nation over, was
orking violently in that country, viz, a spirit of
"eat enmity to such men as Mr. Henry was.
''orthenbury, npon the King's coming in, returned
to its former relation to Bangor, and was looked
loa as a chapelry dependent upon that. Mr.
chert Fogg had, for many years, held the seques-
red Rectory of Bangor, which now Dr. Henry
ridgman,^ (son to John, Bishop of Chester,*^ and
other to the Lord Keeper Bridgman,**) returned to
e possession of. By which Mr. Henry was soon
tprehensive that his interest at Worthenbury was
laken ; but thus he writes.: — The will of the Lord
; done. Lord, if my work be done here, provide
me other for this people, that may be more
ilful, and more successful, and cut out work for
e elsewhere; however, I will take nothing ill
bich God doth with me.
He laboured what be could to make Dr. Bridg-
an his friend,* who gave him good words, and was
:ry civil to him, and assured him that he would
;ver remove him till the law did. But he must
ok upon himself as the Doctor's Curate, and
spending upon his vvjjl, which kept him in con-
lual expectations of a removal ; however, he con-
sued in his liberty there above a year, though in
ly fickle and precarious circumstances.
The grand question now on foot was, whether to
•nform, or no. He used all means possible to
tisfy himself concerning it, by reading and dis-
t See Reljq. Baxter. Lib. L Part. IL p. 229, &,c. vt supra.
* Ob. 15th May. 1682. Wood's Ath. Ozon. ut npra. v. 4. p. 86a
He died at Morton, near Oswestry, in Shropshire, and was
ried at Kinneriey . He wa< the author of the " Leger/* now depo-
ed in the Episcopal Retristry. Ormerod'sHist. of Cheshire, v. i.
C See alao Prioce's Worthies of Devon, p. 133. 4 to ed. 1810.
See pi 4%. Mir.
Appendix, No. XnL
course, particularly at Oxford, with Dr. Fell, after-
wards Bishop of Oxford, but in vain ; his dissatis-
faction remained; — however, saith he, I dare not
judge those that do conform ; for, who am I, that I
should judge my brother?
[Addressing Dr. Bridgman about this period, his
views are thus expressed : —
I think I am none of those who are in the ex-
tremes ; nevertheless, my resolution is, if those
things be indispensably imposed which I cannot
practise without sinning against my conscience, I
shall choose rather to lose all, yet not violating, by
my good will, the public peace of the church. And
herein, I presume, you will not blame me. But, if
moderation be used, wherein it will be your honour
to be instrumental, if my poor talent may contribute
any thing to the glory of God, and the salvation of
souls, I trust I shall never be found guilty of wil-
fully burying it, lest I fall under the woe, if I preach
not the gospel. God, of his infmite mercy, direct you,
and all who are called to consult in the affairs of
religion, that you may do nothing against the truth
and peace, but /or it, which is the hearty prayer of,
Sir,
Your servant in the gospel,
P. Henry.']
He hath noted, that being at Chester, in discourse
with the Dean and Chancellor and others, about
this time, the great argument they used with him to
persuade him to conform was, that else he would
lose his preferment ; and what, said they, you are a
young man, and are you wiser than the King and
Bishops? 8 But this is his reflection upon it after-
wards ; — God grant that I may never be left to con-
sult with flesh and blood in such matters !
In September, 1660, Mr. Fogg, and Mr. Steel, and
Mr. Henry, were presented at Flint Assizes, for not
reading the Common Prayer, though as yet it was
not enjoined, but there were some busy people that
would outrun the law. They entered their appear-
ance, and it fell ; for, soon after the King's Decla-
ration,** touching Ecclesiastical Affairs, came out,
which promised liberty, and gave hopes of settle-
ment ; but the spring assizes afterwards, Mr. Steel
and Mr. Henry were presented again. On this he
writes,— Be merciful to me, O God, for man would
swallow me up ! The Lord show me what he would
have me to do, for I am afraid of nothing but sin.*
It appears by the hints of his Diary, that he had
f Orig MS.
K See Dr. Ames's Fresh Suit. 4to. 16J3. Prefoce, p. 10.
h See it in Tracts selected from Lord Somers's Collections. 4to.
17M. p. 349, &c.
i When Chrysostom had offended the Empress Eudoxla, and she
thereupon sent him a threatening message, he answered,— Go, telt
her, Ntt nisipeccatum tinuo ; 1 fear nothing but sin. The Marrow ot
EccL Hist by Samuel Clark* p. 145. ut supra.
M
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRT.
melancholy apprehensions at this time about pub-
lic affairs, seeing and hearing of so many faithful
ministers disturbed, silenced, and insnared ; the
ways of Sion mourning, and the quiet in the land
treated as the troublers of it ; his soul wept in secret
for it. [What to think, I know not, concerning the
affairs of the nation ; a cloud rises ; but. Lord, mine
eyes are unto thee!''] And yet he joined in the
annual commemoration of the King's Restoration,
and preached, on Mark xii. 17. Render to Casar the
things that are Casar*s ; considering, saith he, that
this was his right ; also, the sad posture of the civil
government, through usurpers, and the manner of
his coming in without bloodshed. This he would all
his days speak of as a national mercy, but what he
rejoiced in with a great deal of trembling for the
ark of God ; and he would sometimes say,—- That,
during those years between forty and sixty, though
on civil accounts there were g^eat disorders, and the
foundations were out of course, yet, in the lAatters of
God's worship, things went well ; there was free-
dom,' and reformation, and a face of godliness was
upon the nation, though there were those that made
but a mask of it Ordinances were administered in
power and purity ; and, though there was much
amiss, yet religion, at least in the profession of it,
did prevail. This, saith he, we know very well, let
men say what they will of those times.
In November, 1600, he took the oath of allegiance
at Orton,*" before Sir Thomas Hanmer," and two
other Justices, of which he hath left a memorandum
in his Diary, with this added ; — God so help me, as
I purpose in my heart, to do accordingly. Nor could
any more conscientiously observe that oath of God
than he did, nor more sincerely promote the ends
of it.
That year, according to an agp'eement with some
of his brethren in the ministry, who hoped thereby
to oblige some people, he preached upon Christmas
day. The sabbath before, it happened, that the
twenty-third chapter of Leviticus, which treats en-
tirely of the Jewish feasts, called there the feasts of
the Lord, came in course to be expounded, which
gave him occasion to distinguish of feasts into divine
and ecclesiastical ; the divine feasts that the Jews
had were those there appointed ; their ecclesiastical
feasts were those of Purim° and of Dedication, p
And, in the application of it, he said, — He knew no
divine feast we have under the gospel but the Lord's
k p. Henry. Orig. MS.
1 Let it not be ima^nned that this superior religious rreedom was
a privilege at all peculiar to the Commonwealth, or to the Protec-
torshipi for, the most perfect religious emancipation may be
equally guaranteed and enjoyed under a King, Lords, and Com-
mons, as under any other form of government in the world. Brook's
Hist, of Rel. Lib. v. i. p. 53G.
m Overlon. Orton is a corruption. See Camden's Brit Gougb's
eelv.2. p. IS3.
a SeePenn&nrs Touts in Wales, r. I. p. 'J92,
day, intended for the commemoration of the whole
mercy of our redemption. And the most that could
be said for Christmas was, that it is an ecclesiastical
feast; and it is questionable with some, whether
church or state, though they might make a good
day, Esther ix. 19. could make a holy day. Never-
theless, forasmuch as we find our Lord Jesus, John
X. 22. so far complying with the church feast of
dedication, as to take occasion from the people's
coming together, to preach to them, he purposed to
preach upon Christmas day, knowing it to be his
duty, in season and out of season. He preached on
1 John iii. 8. — For this purpose was the Son of God
manifested, that he might destroy the works of the
devil. And he minded his people, that it is double
dishonour to Jesus Christ, to practise the works of
the devil then, when we keep a feast in memory of
his manifestation.
His annuity from Emeral was now withheld, be-
cause he did not read the Common Prayer, though,
as yet, there was no law for reading of it : hereby
he was disabled to do what he had been wont for the
help and relief of others ; and this he has recorded
as that which troubled him most under that disap-
pointment. But he blessed God,— That he had a
heart to do good, even when his hand was empty.
When the Emeral family was unkind to him, he
reckoned it a great mercy, which he gave God thanks
for, (who makes every creature to be that to us that
it is,) that Mr. Broughton and his family, which is
of considerable figure in the parish,i continued their
kindness and respects to him, and their countenance
of his ministry, which he makes a grateful mention
of more than once in his Diary.
Many attempts were made in the year 1661 to
disturb and insnare him, and it was still expected
that he would have been hindered.— Methinks, saith
he, sabbaths were never so sweet as they arc, now
we are kept at such uncertainties ; now, a day in thy
courts is better than a thousand ; such a day as this,
saith he of a sacrament-day that year, better than
ten thousand. Oh, that we might yet see many such
days!
[Some extracts from his Diary, at this period,
clearly evince the elevated piety and holy meekness
of the writer, and should excite gratitude for present
privileges, civil and religious.
1661. January, 24, 25. A time of trouble in the
nation. Many good men imprisoned and restrained :
o The Feast of Lots, in commemoration of the provideRtial
deliverance ofthe Jews from the cruel* machinations of Haman.
See Home's Introd. to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the
Holy Scriptures, v. 3. p. 314. 4th ed.
p A grateful memorial of the cleansing of the second teiUple ana
altar, after they had been proOined by AnUochus Epiptianes.
Home's Introd. v. 3. p. 315. it/ wfta. <-
% John Broughton d welleth y n Wortbembre Paroche, at Brough-
ton. Leland, vt—pra, p. 31.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
66
fome withy some withoat, cause. I am yet in peace,
blessed be Ood, bat expect saffering^. Lord, pre-
pare me for it, and grant that I may never suffer as
an eril-doer, but as a Christian !
31. Thin^ are low with me in the world; but
three-pence ' left. My hope is yet in the Lord, that
in doe time he will supply me. Amen,
April 3. Hanmer exercise.* Mr. Porter and Mr.
Steel taught. I was design^ed to it, but it was much
better as it w^m. Sir Thomas Hanmer signified his
disiike of it, ^which made it doubtful whether we
should haTe any more, but at parting I never saw
mcb a face of sadness as was upon those who were
present. Sure, God hears the sighs, and sees the
tears, of his poor people.
Jane 16. Common-Prayer Book tendered again ;
why, I know^ not. Lord, they devise devices against
me, but in thee do I put my trust. Father, forgive
thm ! My hands are yet clean from the pollutions of
the times. Lord, keep them, and let no iniquity pre-
uiltigainst me.
23. Strong reports I should not be suffered to
preach to-day ; but I did ; and no disturbance.
Blessed be God, who hath my enemies in a chain.
July 4. News from London of speedy severity
intended against nonconformists. The Lord can
yet, if he vrill, break the snare. If not, welcome the
will of God.
7. In despite of enemies, the Lord hath granted
the liberty of one sabbath more. To him be praise.
8. I received a letter from Dr. Bridgman, wherein
he informed me, if I did not speedily conform, his
power would no longer protect me ; to which I wrote
a dilatory answer, hoping, yet, my God may find out
some way to break the snare. However, I had rather
lose all, and save my conscience, than contra,
9. I advised with friends ; R. B. told me, though
he desired my stay above any outward thing in the
world, yet he could wish rather I would be gone,
tiian conform. I was with Mr. Steel, with whom I
spent two or three hours in discourse about it, and
returned home strengthened.
24. Great expectation of a severe act about im-
posing the Common-Prayer and ceremonies. It
passed both Houses of Parliament, but is not signed
by the King. Lord, bis heart is in thy hand ; if it be
r See the life of Thomas Perkins. Palmer's Noncon. Mem. y.
3LP.133.
• l0 the year 1576 Archbishop Griodal " encouraged a practice
vliicii was taken ap in divers places of the nation : the manner
whereof was. that the ministers of such a division, at a set time,
met together in some church ; and there, each in their order, ex-
piafned, according to their abihty, some particular portion of
gripliire allotted them before, fcc. At these anemblies there were
great conflmres of people to hear and learn." These were com.
oonlj called SxtrctM*^ or Prophesyings. However, the Queen
(Eltiabeth) ** liked not of them," nor would she have them con.
tlDoed. ** The Arcbbiibop being at court, she required him to
abridge the Domber of preachers, and to put down the religious
exeioaea.*' ** This did not a Uttie afflict the grave man." '* He
thought the Queen nvKle some infringement upon his office, nor
thy will, turn it ; if otherwise, fit thy people to safier,
and cut short the work in righteousness !
August 11. One sabbath's liberty more. Oh, how
good is the Lord ! Many hearers from Wrexham are
forced to wander for bread. Lord, pity them, and
provide for them !
22. Mr. Steel came to see us. We are in doubt
what to do in point of conformity. Lord, say unto
us, This, or that, is the way, and we will walk in it !
25. Common-Prayer tendered. God knows how
loth I am to go off my station ; but I must not sin
against my conscience.
27. I went to Wrexham, and thence to Ash,* where
I stayed all night, and was much made of. Offence
taken at Mr. Hanmer saying more than needed about
conformity. He shall be Lot's wife" to me.
September 1. The Lord hath been good this day,
in giving liberty for public ordinances ; on which
score wc are indebted to him for ever ; we of this
place, above many other places.
8. This morning I verily thought I should have
been hindered from preaching, but was not. The
Lord heard prayers. Dr. Bridgman sent me a Pro-
hibition from the Chancellor to peruse, upon com-
plaint from Sir Thomas Hanmer. It was not pub-
lished. Mr. Taylor "^ hindered at Holt. Mr. Adams
at Penley. Lord, think of thy vineyard ! They took
the cushion from me, but the pulpit was left. Bless-
ed be God.
29. Liberty yet continued ; an order was brought
to me to be published, prohibiting strangers from
coming hither to church, but I published it not.
Lord, provide for poor congregations, that are as
sheep without a shepherd !
October 17. I was cited to appear at the Bishop's
Court, as upon this day, but went not. My fault was,
-^hindering the publishing of the Dean's Order as to
strangers. If I had hindered it, it had been a email
fault ; but I did not ; I only refused to publish it
mytelf,
19. Day of preparation for the sacrament. I
preached from 2 Chronicles xxx. 18, &c. The good
Lord pardon! Full of fears lest we be hindered,
and lest something fall between the cup and the lip,
for our adversaries bite the lip at us.
20. Through the good hand of our God upon us,
could he in conscience comply with her commands.'* He, there,
fore, wrote to Her Ms^jesty, and the whole of his " excellent and
memorable letter** is preserved in the Appendix to his Life and
Acts, by Strype, Book U. No. DL Her M^esty, however, was
immovable, and sent her own commandmentr May, 1577, to the
'* Bishops throughout England for suppressing *' these Exercises,
they t)eing an *' oflSence '* to her quiet subjects, who desired " to
live and to serve God according to the uniform orders established
in the church.'* Nor was this all i the venerable Archbishop was
both confined and sequestered. Life, «/ «vpr<i, B. II. ch. viii. ix.
See also. Dr. M'Crie's Life of Knox, v. a. p. 285. 4th ed.
t Near Frees.
tt A saying of Bishop Latimer's. See his Sermons, p. 83. «/
impta.
T See the Noncon. Mem. v. 3. p. 478.
56
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
we have this day enjoyed one sweet sacrament more.
They did us ail the hinderance they could, but, not-
withstanding, afterwards, we proceeded.*
He was advised by Mr. Ratcliff * of Chester, and
others of his friends, to enter an action against Mr.
P. for his annuity, and did so ; — but, concerning the
success of it, saith he, I am not over solicitous ; for,
though it be my due, (Luke x. 7.) yet it was not that
which I preached for; and, God knows, I would
much rather preach for nothing, than not at all;
and besides, I know assuredly, if I should be cast,
God would make it up to me some other way. After
some proceedings he not only moved, but solicited,
Mr. P. to refer it ; — having learned, saith he, that it
is no disparagement, but an honour, for the party
wronged to be first in seeking reconciliation. The
Lord, if it be his will, incline his heart to peace. I
have now, saith he, two great concerns upon the
wheel, one in reference to my maintenance for time
past ; the other, as to my continuance for the future ;
the Lord be my friend in both ; but, of the two,
rather in the latter. But, saith he, many of greater
gifts and graces than I are laid aside already, and
when my turn comes, I know not ; the will of God
be done. He can do his work without us.
[The process by which he arrived at the con-
clusion^stated, is apparent from the following docu-
ment. As an instance of cautious deliberation
and foresight, it is worth preserving. It exhibits a
fine specimen of a well-disciplined mind, and is a
practical illustration of self-cultivation and Chris-
tian prudence : —
Why Ithould not jriVU to a Compotition with
Mr. P.
1. Because I have so much pro-
bability to recover, by law, that
which is my due for the time past :
and not only so, but also for time
to come, whilst I continue unpre-
ferred ; which, as the case stands,
may be long enough. I have Mr.
Ratclifi^s and Sir Orl. Bridg^an's
opinion upon my deed.
2. Now is a bad time to treat
with Mr. P. for composition', be-
cause those about him, come what
will, care not for parting with any
thing.
3. Lest it should hinder my return
hither again, if the door should yet
be open; and who knows but it
may?']
Reasons,
fThylihould.
1. Law is chargeable and trou-
blesome, and the issue tedious, and
uncertain.
2. Besides, the times favour me
not; judges and juries may be
partial.
3. 1 have a potent adversary in
respect of purse and greatness.
4. If I should have a trial this
next Assize, which yet is doubtful,
and should have a verdict, which
yet is more doubtful, he, being
plaintifi*, may, for ought I know,
remove it : and so, from time to
time, to the Court of Exchequer,
which, of all other, is most charge-
able and tedious.
5. My present occasions for
money to discharge my debt to my
father. Considering, withal, be-
sides the misery of debt, how hard
it is to procure it ; as, upon trial, I
have found.
6. He being taken off, I may be
in the less danger of confinements,
and other troubles, upon public ac-
counts.']
fF/tf Mr. P. thoyld fMd to a Composilion
with wu.
1. In point of equity: thelabourer
being worthy of his hire ; espe-
cially, considering the labourer's
wages detained cries loud in hea-
ven, and brings a curse.
2. In point of advantage. If I
should recover, as there is hope I
may, it will be bad for him, espe-
cially having parted with the tithes
which he might have kept.
3. In point of honour. I came
hither upon the invitation of his
family ; left my place in the Uni-
versity, where, he knows, I had
encouragement to have stayed.
Also the relation wherein I stood
to him as Tutor. Also, his pro-
mise. If there was any occasion
of his anger given, it was when he
was a child, and under my tuition,
and it was my duty to complain ;
though, he knows, how sparing I
was that way. And for persuad-
ing his father to disinherit him, he
hath acknowledged he did believe
it was not so ; and I know it was
not.']
The issue of this afi'air was, that, there having
been some disputes between Mr. P. and Dr. Bridg-
man, about the tithe of Worthenbury, wherein Mr.
P. had clearly the better claim to make, yea, by the
mediation of Sir Thomas Hanmer, they came to this
agreement, September 11, 1661, that Dr. Bridgman
and his successors, Parsons of Bangor, should have
and receive all the tithe corn and hay of Worthen-
bury, without the disturbance of the said Mr. P. or
w p. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
X Probably of the same family as the husband of Mrs. Ratdiff,
his heirs, except the tithe hay of Emeral demesne,
upon condition that Dr. Bridgman should, before
the first of November following, avoid and discharge
the present minister or curate, Philip Henry, from
the chapel of Worthenbury, and not hereafter, at any
time, re-admit the said minister, Philip Henry, to
officiate in the said cure. This is the substance of
the Articles agreed upon between them, pursuant
to which Dr. Bridgman soon after dismissed Mr.
whose life is recorded in the Memoirs of Eminently Pious WomeD,
V. I. p. 280. ed. 1815. 7 P- Henry. Orig. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY
57
Henry ;" and, by a writing under his hand, which
was published in the church of Worthenbury, by
one of Mr. Puleston's servants, October the 27th
following, notice was given to the parish of that
dismission. That day, he preached his farewell*
sermon on Philippians i. 27. — Only let your conver-
futiam be ns becomes the gospel of Christ. In which,
as he saith in his Diary, his desire and design was
rather to profit than to affect, —It matters not what
becomes of me^^— whether I come unto you^ or else he
ehsent^ — but let your conversation be as becomes the
gotpel. His parting prayer for them was, — The Lordy
ike God of the spirits of all fleshy set a man over the
ttmyreyation. Thus he ceased to preach to his people
there, but he ceased not to love them, and pray for
tbem ; and could not but think there remained some
donnant relation betwixt him and them.''
As to the arrears of his annuity with Mr. P. when
he was displaced, after some time Mr. P. was will-
JDg to give him £100, which was a good deal less
tlian what was due, upon condition that he would
surrender his deed of annuity, and his lease of the
hoQsc, which he, for peace sake, was willing to do ;
tnd so he lost all the benefit of Judge Puleston's
^reat kindness to him. This was not completed till
September, 1662, until which time he continued in
the house at Worthenbury, but never preached so
mach as once in the church, though there were va-
cancies several times.
Mr. Richard Hilton was immediately put into the
curacy of Worthenbury, by Dr. Bridgman. Mr.
Henry went to hear him while he was at Worthen-
bury, and joined in all the parts of the public worship,
pardcularly attending upon the sacrament of bap-
tism;— not daring, saith he, to turn my back upon
God's ordinance, while the essentials of it are retained,
though corrupted, circumstantially, in the adminis-
tration of it, which, God amend ! Once, being allowed
the liberty of his gesture, he joined in the Lord's sup-
per. He kept up his correspondence with Mr. Hilton,
and, as he saith in his Diary, endeavoured to possess
him with right thoughts of his work, and advised
him the best he could in the soul affairs of that people ;
—which, saith he, he seemed to take well. I am sure
I meant it so ; and the Lord make him faithful !
Inunediately after he was removed and silenced
< 16111, October 24. Dr. Bridgman came to Worthenbury. and
before a rabble there, again repeated and read over my dischaiige.
Tbe drcvDxiatances whereof, place, manner, witnesses, somewhat
cneved me. He called it peeYishneas. I justify not myself! Lord,
by not my ain to my charge, nor his sin to bis ! P. Henry. Diary,
Orif.llS>.
I » See a Complete Collection of Farewell Sermons by many
I Emioent DtTines who were ejected by tbe Act of Uniformity, 4to.
1663.
^ M61, Jamary 5. In the afternoon I went to Captain Heneage,
wh«re wai Mr. Tallenta, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Steel ;
ve discooned aU oight, especially upon this query. -Whether
<Kur relation do yet remain to our people! In tbe close, we were,
^ided la our opinloiis about it P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
at Worthenbury, he was solicited to preach at Ban-
gor, and Dr. Bridgman was willing to permit it,
occasionally ; and intimated to his curate there, that
he should never hinder it ; but Mr. Henry declined
it. Though his silence was his great grief, yet, such
was his tenderness, that he was not willing so far to
discourage Mr. Hilton at Worthenbury, nor to draw
so many of the people from him, as would certainly
have followed him to Bangor. — But, saith he, I can-
not get my heart into such a spiritual frame on sab-
bath days now, as formerly ; which is both my sin
and my affliction. Lord, quicken me with quicken-
ing grace !
When the King came in first, and showed so good
a temper, as many thought, some of his friends were
very earnest with him to revive his acquaintance
and interest at court, which it was thought he
might easily do. It was reported in the country,
that the Duke of York ' had inquired after him ;
but he heeded not the* report, nor would he be per-
suaded to make any addresses that way For, saith
he, my friends do not know, so well as I, the strength
of temptation, and my own inability to deal with it.
Qui bene latuit, bene vixit. Lord, lead me not into
temptation !
He was greatly afiected with the temptations and
afflictions of many faithful ministers of Christ at
this time, by the pressing of conformity ; and kept
many private days of fasting and prayer in his own
house at Worthenbury, seeking to turn away the
wrath of God from the land. He greatly pitied
some, who, by the urgency of friends, and the fear
of want, were over-persuaded to put a force upon
themselves in their conformity. — The Lord keep me,
saith he, in the critical time !
He preached sometimes occasionally in divers
neighbouring places, till Bartholomew day,*' 1662 ;
— ^the day, saith he, which our sins have made one
of the saddest days to England, sinoe the death of
Edward the Sixth ;• but, even this for good, though
we know not how, nor which way. He was invited
to preach at Bangor on the black ' Bartholomew
day, and prepared a sermon on John vii. 37. — In the
last dayy that great day of the feasts Sfc. but was pre-
vented from preaching it ; and was loth to strive
against so strong a stream.
c Afterwards King James the Second. See Dr. D'Oyley's Life
of Archbishop Sancroft, v. I. p. 163. ice. .
d August 24. It was a day famous for two remarkable events
happening upon it, and both fatal. The one. that day three-score
years before, fktal to the Church of France in the maa<tacre of
many thousands of Protestants at Paris. The other, fiital to the
Dissenting Ministers of England, near upon two thousand, (where*
of myself an unworthy one.) who were put to silence on that day.
and forbidden to preach the gospel under severe penalties, because
tbey would not, they durst not, sin against God. P. Henry.
Orig. MS.
« July 6. 1553.
f My dear father used to call it " the Black Bartholomew." BArs.
Savage. Diary, Orig. MS. See the Farewell Sermons, p. AOO.vi supra.
68
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
Ab to his nonconfonnity, which some of his worst
enemies have said was his only fault, it may not be
amiss here to give some acconnt of it.
1. His reasons for his nonconformity were yery
considerable. It was no rash act, but deliberate,
and well weighed in the balances of the sanctuary.
He could by no means submit to be re-ordained ; so
well satisfied was he in his call to the ministry, and
his solemn ordination to it, by the laying on of the
hands of the presbytery, which God had graciously
owned him in, that he durst not do that which looked
like a renunciation of it, as null and sinful, and
would be at least a tacit invalidating and condemn-
ing of all his administrations. Nor could he truly
say, that he thought himself moved by the Holy Ghost
to tahe upon him the office of a deacon. He was the
more confirmed in this objection, because the then
Bishop of Chester, l>r. Hall,> in whose diocese he
was, besides all that was required by law, exacted
from those that came to him to be re-ordained, a
subscription to this form ; — Ego A. B. prtetensas
meoi ordinationU literas, a quibusdam presbyteris
olim obtentoi jam penitus renuneiOf et dimitto pro
vanis ;** humiliter supplicans guatenui Rev, in
Christo Pater et Dominut Dominus Georgius per-
missione divinA Cestr, Epitc, me ad sacrum Diacon-
atiis ordinem juxta morem et ritus Ecclesits Angli"
tamt dignaretur admittere. This, of re-ordination,
was the first and great bar to his conformity, and
which he mostly insisted on. He would sometimes
say,— that, for a presbyter to be ordained a deacon,
is at best suscipere gradum Simeonis.
Besides this, he was not at all satisfied to give his
unfeigned ''assent and consent to all and every
thing contained in the book of Common Prayer,"
he, for he thought that thereby he should receive the
book itself, and every part thereof, rubrics and all,
both as true and good ; whereas there were several
things which he could not think to be so. The ex-
ceptions which the ministers made against tlie
Liturgy, at the Savoy Conference, he thought very
considerable ; and could by no means submit to,
much less approve of, the impositions of the ceremo'
niesJ He often said, that, when Christ came to free
us from the yoke of one ceremonial law, he did not
leave it in the power of any man, or company of
men, in the world, to lay another upon our necks.
Kneeling at the Lord's supper he was much dis-
satisfied about ; and it was for many years his great
grief, and which, in his Diary, he doth often most
c Dr. George Hall, son of the venerable Bishop of Norwich, was
bom in 1613 ; ob. 1C68. Mr. Chalmers's Biog. Diet v. 17. p. 57.
h Mr. Cook, of Chester, told the Bishop, that though his ordina.
tion by presbyters was not legal yet it was evangelical. P. Henry.
Diary, Orig. WS.
i We see the primitive Christians did not make so much of any
uniformity in rites and ceremonies; nay, I scarce think any
churches in the prlmiUve times can be produced that did exactly,
in ail things, observe the ame customs » which might, espc-
patheticaliy lament ; that, by it, he was debarred
from partaking of that ordinance in the solemn
assembly. For, to submit to that imposition, he
thought, whatever it was to others, whom he was
far from judging, would be sin to him.
[Take his own statement of the case, as follows :
The reasons why I do not communicate in the
public administration of the Lord's supper, are ;»-
1. 1 am not satisfied to kneel in the act of receiving.
(1.) Because it hath no warrant (not in the
least) from Scripture, neither by precept nor
precedent ; whereas, sitting hath : at least by
precedent ; clearly, in the practice of Christ
himself, and the apostles ; and, probably, in
the practice of the first churches ; for it seems
the AgapsB, or love feasts, were used together
with the Eucharist. See 1 Corinthians xi,
(2.) Because it doth no way suit with the nature
of the ordinance, which is a supper ; an ordi-
nance wherein the blessed Jesus calls us to
the nearest familiarity and fellowship with
himself, — to eat with him ; and therefore to
sit, not to kneel, with him, at his table.
(3.) Because it hath been grossly abused, even
to idolatry, by the papists, in worshipping the
consecrated host, which, in all probability,
brought it first into the church ; and, more-
over, grives them advantage to argue, as
Bellarmin ^ expressly states, '' We do no
more in kneeling before an image than the
Protestants do in kneeling at the sacrament ;
— ergoy if we are idolaters, so are they."
(4.) Because, having made trial myself of both
gestures, — kneeling heretofore, and sitting of
late, — I dare not sin against my conscience,
which tells me, I ought not to quit the liberty
wherewith Christ hath made me free.
I know that which is said, for it is the command
of my superiors ; to which I oppose the com-
mand of my Supreme, saying, — Be not, ye
servants of men ; and, Call no man master ;—
which I then do, when I give a blind obedi-
ence to their injunctions, for the authority-
sake of the enjoiners, rendering me no rt^ason
why, or wherefore, but only,^iStc «o/o, sie
jubeo} And to do this in the things of God's
worship, I conceive to be sinful. •
2. If I were satisfied to kneel, yet I should not at the
rails,"" which are used in our parish church of Mal-
pas, because it is an innovation warranted by no law,
dally, be an aigument of moderation in all as to these things.
Bidiop Stillingfleet's Irenicum, «< wfro, pp. 66, 67.
k Robert Bellarmin, an Italian Jesuit, and a celebrated contro.
▼ersial writer, was born in 1M2. Ob. 16*21. Mr. Chalmen!*s Biog.
Diet. V. 4. p. 383. to:.
1 See these words singularly associated in the Life of Lord Chief
Justice Dyer, prefixed to Mr. Vaillant's edition of his Reports, oct
1704.
■ In the British Mmeum, fol. 4275, Plut. IIL E. BiU. Birch. Is
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
60
divine nor hnman, civil nor canonical. And,
tlio, it smells rank of popish snperstition, yea, of
Indaism itself. By Jesos Christ the vail is rent,
and all sach like walls of partition are broken down.
3. Though, before God, I am the chiefest of sin-
■eis, and dare not say to any, Stmnd off^ for I am
hUier tkmn thou ; yet, since the Scripture enjoins me
with such and such not to eat, and saith withal, that
« Uiile iemten leavetu the whole /Kmp,— while so many
lie adnutted grossly profane, yea, none indeed ex-
ehided that will receive, I am afraid, as, on the one
hand, of defiling myself; so, on the other hand, of
haideoing them, by eating and drinking into the
tame body with them.**]
He never took the covenant, nor ever expressed
any fondness for it ; and yet he could not thinh, and
tterefore durst not deelare, that, however unlaw-
filly imposed, it was in itself an unlawful oath,
•ad Hutt no person that took it was under the obli-
gitioti df it : for, sometimes, quod fieri non dehv.it
fettmm valet. In short, it cannot be wondered at,
dnt he was a nonconformist, when the terms of
conformity were so industriously contrived to keep
out of the church such men as he ; which is mani-
Ibled by the fall account which Mr. Baxter hath
left to posterity, of that affair ;<> and it is a passage
worth noticing here, which Dr. Bates, in his funeral
mrnon on Mr. Baxter, relates ;p that when the
Lord Chamberlain Manchester told the King, while
^ Act of Uniformity was under debate, that he was
afraid that the terms were so hard, that many of the
■inisters would not comply with them. Bishop
Sheldon,^ being present, replied, " I am afraid
ttey will.'' And it is well known how many of the
mat sober, pious, and laborious ministers, in all
parts of the nation, conformists as well as noncon-
formists, did dislike those impositions.
He thought it a mercy, since it must be so, that
the case of nonconformity was made so clear as it
vas, abundantly to satisfy him in his silence and
lofefingB. I have heard that Mr. Anthony Burges, '
who hesitated before, when he read the Act, blessed
God that the matter was put out of doubt. And
yet, to make sure work, the printing and publishing
sf the new Book of Common Prayer was so defer-
prmitid a MS. coofalniog ** Some animadveriioiis on a Letter
of the Bev- Dr. U. Fowler, [of Whitchurch,] to Mr. VCatea, oPDan-
Ibid lun, near Whitchurch J concerning kneeling at the rayles
la leccivifig the Lofd*i Supper.** Mr. Yates was the Doctor's
fklikwicr, and had applied for a dispensation to receive the
Loftfs aupficr withoot kneeling at the altar. Dr. Fowler's Letter
is copied ia the margin ; and the animadversions are ably written.
It ta registered as a MS. of Mr. Henry's,— but it seems doubtful
whether it be hb hand-writing. Indeed, the editor does not think
its tatcrnal evidence would justify its introduction as his compo-
SitiOB.
Thia opf nkm turns out to be correct The MS. is good old Mr.
Steele'a la a letter fVom Matthew Henry to Ralph Thoresby,
Esq. of Lceda» dated Oct 10, itfOS, and in Mr. Upcott's possession,
he mys. Meeting among my father^s papers with a sheet of his
(Hr. Slede*!) in aatircr to Dr.* 'eQw\etB ugameot$ for setUag f
red, that few of the ministers, except those in London,
could possibly get a sight of it, much less duly
consider of it,* before the time prefixed ; which Mr
Steel took notice of in his Farewell Sermon at
Hanmcr, August 17, 1662,— that he was silenced
and turned out for not declaring his unfeigned
assent and consent to a book which he never saw^ nor
eould see.
One thing which he comforted himself with in his
nonconformity was, that as to matters of doubtful
disputation touching church government, ceremo-
nies, and the like, he was ica#i£7orfi, either on one
side or the other, and so was free from those snares
and bands in which so many find themselves tied up
from what they would do, and entangled that they
know not what to do. He was one of those that
feared an oath, Ecclesiastes x. 2. and would often
say, — Oaths are edged tools, and not to be played
with. One passage I find in his papers, which con-
firmed him in this satisfaction ; it is a letter from
no less a clergyman than Dr. F.* of Whitchurch to
one of his parishioners;" who desired him to give
way that his child might be baptized by another
without the cross and godfathers, if he would not do
it so himself; both which he refused : it was in the
year 1672-3. '^ For my part, said the Doctor, I
freely profess my thoughts, that the strict urging of
indifferent ceremonies hath done more harm than
good ; and, possibly, had all men been left to their
liberty therein, there might have been much more
unity, and not much less uniformity. But what
power have I to dispense with myself, being now
under the obligation of a law and an oath V* And
he concludes, " I am much grieved at the unhappy
condition of myself, and other ministers, who must
either lose their parishioners' love, rf they do not
comply with them, or else break their solemn obli-
gations to please them."
This, he would say, was the mischief of imposi-
tions, which ever were, and ever will be, bones of
contention. When he was at Worthenbury, though
in the Lord's supper he used the gesture of sitting
himself, yet he administered it without scruple to
some who chose rather to kneel ; * and he thought
that ministers' hands should not, in such things, be
up rails about the conununion table, written with his own hand, I
send it you enclosed. J. B. W. Oct 5, 1837.
a P. Henry. Orig. MS.
o See Reliq. Baxter. Lib. 1. Part 11.
P Dr. Bates's Works, ▼. 4. p. 330.
q Afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury. Nat A. D. .1506, ob.
Nov. 9, 1677. Mr. Chalmers' Biog. Diet v. 27. p. 442.
r See Noncon. Mem. ▼. 3. p. 350.
■ A curious anecdote illustrative of this statement is recorded
by Dr. Calamy in his Defence of Moderate Nonconformity, v. 2.
Part H. p. 357.
t Dr. Matthew Fowler was Rector of Whitchurch, and died
there in 1683, ast. 06. Wood's Fasti, ut npra. Ath. Oxon. ▼. 4 p. 55.
« A Mr. Morgan. P. Henry. Diary. Orig. MS.
▼ See the Ufe of Mn. Jane RalcWflte, \>) 0;ift Uiet . ^o\ak\A^ > v-
143; &c. dttod. 1040 1 and aal«, p. M.
00
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
tied up ; but that he ought, in bis place, though he
suffered for it, to witness against the making of
those things the indispensable terms of communion,
which Jesus Christ hath not made to be so. Where
the Spirit of the Lord, and the spirit of the gospel,
iSf there is liberty.
Such as these were the reasons of his nonconfor-
mity, which, as long as he lived, he was more and
more confirmed in.
2. His moderation in his nonconformity was very
exemplary and eminent, and had a great influence
upon many, to keep them from running into an un-
charitable and schismatical separation ; which, upon
all occasions, he bore his testimony against, and was
very industrious to stem the tide of. In church go-
vernment, that which he desired and wished for, was
Archbishop Usher's reduction of episcopacy.* He
thought it lawful to join in the Common Prayer in
public assemblies, and practised accordingly, and
endeavoured to satisfy others concerning it The
spirit he was of was such as made him much afraid
of extremes, and solicitous for nothing more than
to maintain and keep Christian love and charity
among professors. Wc shall meet with several
instances of this in the progress of his story, and
therefore wave it here. I have been told of an aged
minister" of his acquaintance, who, being asked
upon his death-bed, — What his thoughts were of
his nonconformity, replied, he was well satisfied in
it/ and should not have conformed so far as he did,
viz. to join in the Liturgy, if it had not been for Mr.
Henry. Thus was his moderation hnotcn unto all men.
[It were a desirable thing, he would sometimes
say, that all who fear God in the land, in the neigh-
bourhood, were at peace among themselves ; for, as
for peace with wicked men, it will never be while
the world stands ; the seed of the serpent, of the
bond-woman, will hate, will persecute, the seed of the
woman, the free- woman. Fire and water will as
soon be reconciled as these two seeds. But how
happy were it if all good people were at peace ; if all
their enmities were at an end ! The Saviour left
this blessing as a legacy, John xiv. ; pressed it,
John XV. ; prayed for it, John xvii."]
But to proceed in his story. At Michaelmas, 1662,
he quite left Worthenbury, and came with his family
to Broad Oak, just nine years from his first coming
into the country. Being cast by Divine Providence
into this new place and state of life, his care and
prayer was, — that he might have grace and wisdom
to manage it to the glory of God, which, saith he, is
V See Buck's Theol. Diet. vol. i. Tit. Episcopacy. Atid Reliq.
Baxter. Lib. 1. Part II. p. 238.
X Mr. Robert Fojjg, sen. See the Noncon. Mem. v. 3. p. 481.
7 See the Sel. Noncon. Rem. pp. 48, 49, aiO.
1 P. Henry. Orig. MS.
a A very small and antique building ; it is yet standing. See
Ormerod'B History of Cheshire, v. 2. p. 347.
b See ttBiit p. 32.
my chief end. Within three weeks after his coming
hither, his second son was bom, which we mention
for the sake of the remark he has upon it — ^We have
no reason, saith he, to call him Benoni, I wish we
had none to call him Ichabod. And, on the day of
his family-thanksgiving for that mercy, he writes, —
We have reason to rejoice with trembling, for it goes
ill with the church and people of God, and reason
to fear worse because of our own sins, and our ene-
mies' wrath.
At the latter end of this year he hath in his Diaiy
this note : — It is observed of many who have con-
formed of late, and fallen from what they formerly
professed, that, since their so doing, from unblam-
able, orderly, pious men, they are become exceeding
dissolute and profane, and instanceth in some.
What need have we every day to pray, — Lord, lead
us not into temptation !
For several years after he came to live at Broad
Oak, he went constantly on Lord's days to public
worship, with his family, at Whitewell chapel,*
which is hard by, if there were any supply there, as
sometimes there was from Malpas ; and if none, then
to Tylstock, where Mr. Zachary Thomas continued
for about half a year, and the place was a little
sanctuary ; and, when that string failed, usually to
Whitchurch ; and did not preach for a great while,
unless occasionally, when he visited his friends, or
to his own family, on Lord's days, when the weather
hindered them from going abroad. He comforted
himself, that sometimes in going to public worship,
he had an opportunity of instructing and exhorting
those that were in company with him, by the way,
according as he saw they had need ; and in this his
lips fed many y and his tongue was as choice silver;
and he acted according to that rule which he often
laid down to himself and others, — That, when we
cannot do what we would, we must do what we can,**
and the Lord will accept us in it. He made the
best of the sermons he heard in public.^^It is a
mercy, saith he, we have bread, though it be not as
it hath been, of the finest of the wheat. Those are
froward children who throw away the meat they
have, if it be wholesome, because they have not what
they would have. When he met with preaching
that was weak, his note is,->That is a poor sermon
indeed, out of which no good lesson maybe learned.
He had often occasion to remember that verse of
Mr. Herbert's :—
The worst speaks something good ; if all want sense,
God takes the text, and preacheth patience,**
c Mr. Rovre sometimes said,—" When I meet with a sermon that
doth not like me, I first look into myself to see if there were nothing
amiss there, and, if there were no fault there. I would then scan
it over again. We many times blame the minister when the ftiult
is our own ; we have not prayed for him as we should have done.'*
Life. pp. 56, 57, ui npra.
d The Temple, Sacred Poems, and Private Ejaculations, by Mr.
George Herbert, late Oraiour of the University, of Cambridge,
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
61
NaT, and once he saith, he could not avoid thinking
of Eli's sons, who made the sacrifices, of the Lord to
ie abhorred. Yet he went, to bear his testimony
topablie ordinances. — For still, saith he, the Lord
kteth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of
Jtcob ; and so do I. Sach, then, were his senti-
ments of things, expecting that God would yet open
a door of return to former public liberty, which he
mach desired and prayed for ; and in hopes of that,
was backward to fall into the stated exercise of his
miiiistr>' otherwise, as were all the sober noncon-
fomiists generally in those parts, but it was his grief
and burthen that he had not an opportunity of doing
more for God. He had scarce one talent of oppor-
tunity, bat that one he was very diligent and faithful
in the improyement of. When he visited his friends,
bow did he lay out himself to do them good ! Being
aiked once, where he made a visit, to expound and
pray, which his friends returned him thanks for, he
thus ¥rrites upon it ; —They cannot thank me so much
for my pains, but I thank them more, and my Lord
God especially, for the opportunity. Read his con-
flict vrith himself at this time ; — I own myself a
minister of Christ, yet do nothing as a minister.
What will excuse me ? Is it enough for me to say.
Behold^ I stand in the market-place, and no man hath
hired me ? And he comforts himself with this ap-
peal ; — Lord, thou knowest what will I have to thy
work, public or private, if I had a call and oppor-
tunity. And shall this willing mind be accepted ?
Surely this is a melancholy consideration, and lays
a great deal of blame somewhere, that such a man as
Mr. Henry, so well qualified with gifts and graces
for ministerial work, and in the prime of his time
for usefulness ; so sound and orthodox, so humble
and modest, so quiet and peaceable,* so pious and
blameless ; should be so industriously thrust out of
the vineyard, as a useless and unprofitable servant,
and laid aside as a despised broken vessel, and a vessel
in which there was no pleasure. This is a lamentation,
and shall beybr a lamentation ; especially, since it
was not his case alone, but the lot of so many hun-
dreds of the same character.
In these circumstances of silence and restraint,
be took comfort himself, and administered comfort
to others, from that scripture, Isaiah xvi. 4. Let my
vut'Casts dwell with thee, Moab, God's people may
be an out-cast people, cast out of men's love, their
synagogues, their country ; but God will own his
people when men cast them out ; they are out-casts,
bat they are his, and somewhere or other he will
provide a dwelling for them.
— -* —
p. U. ed. 1650. Mr. Herbert was born April 3. 1593. and died in I«35.
lives, bj bask Walton. Dr. Zoach's ed. v. 2. p. 1. oct
• Hr. Wesley, after noticiiiff the disputatious temper of some as
to opinions and eatemala. proceeds ;— " But I do not include that
venerable nan, Mr. Philip Henry, nor any that were of his spirit,
in this muaber. I know tbey abhorred contending about exter-
nls. Ndtber did they separate themselves from the church.
[On the return of his birth-day, his Diary contains
the following affecting record.— 1063, August 34.
This day thirty-two years I was born; this day
twelve-month I died ;— that fatal day to the godly,
painful, faithful ministers of England, among whom
I am not worthy to be numbered. We mourned
and prayed before the Lord at W. B/s house, if so
be there may be hope, Zechariah vii. 3. compare
Jeremiah i. 3. The Jews, in their captivity, fasted
in the fifth month, because in the fifth month Jeru-
salem was carried away captive ; and, in the seventh
month, Zechariah vii. 5. because in the seventh
month Gedaliah was slain, Jeremiah xli. 1.^]
There were many worthy able ministers thereabout
turned out, both from work and subsistence, that
had not such comfortable support for the life that now
is, as Mr. Henry had, for whom he was most affec-
tionately concerned, and to whom he showed kind-
ness. There were computed, within a few miles
round him, so many ministers turned out to the wide
world, stripped of all their maintenance, and ex-
posed to continual hardships, as with their wives
and children, having most of them numerous fami-
lies, made up above a hundred, that lived upon Pro-
vidence ; and, though oft reduced to wants and
straits, yet were not forsaken, but were enabled to
rejoice in the Lord, and to joy in the God of their
salvation, notwithstanding : to whom the promise
was fulfilled. Psalm xxxvii. 3. — So shalt thou dwell
in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. The world
was told long since, by the ** Conformist's Plea,"'
that the worthy Mr. Lawrence,'' Mr. Henry's inti-
mate friend, when he was turned out of Baschurch,*
and, if he would have consulted with flesh and blood,
having, as was said of one of the martyrs, eleven
good arguments against suffering, viz, a wife and
ten children, was asked how he meant to maintain
them all, and cheerfully replied, — They must all
live on the sixth of Matthew, Take no thought for
your life, SrC' and he often sung, with his family,
Psalm xxxvii. 16. And Mr. Henry hath noted
concerning him in his Diary, some time after he
was turned out, — That he bore witness to the love
and care of our Heavenly Father, providing for him,
and his present condition, beyond expectation.
One observation Mr. Henry made not long before
he died, when he had been young and now was old,
That, though many of the ejected ministers were
brought very low, had many children, were greatly
harassed by persecution, and their friends generally
poor and unable to support them ; yet, in all his ac-
quaintance, he never knew, nor could remember to
They continued therein till they were driven out, whether they
would or not." Further Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion.
Works, vol xii. pp. 274, 275.
f P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
r 4to. 1682. See Granger's Hist. v. 3. p. 336. ul tvpra.
h See the Noncon. Mem. v. 3. p 129.
i A parish in the hund. of PIrohill, Salop, 8 miles from Shrewsbury.
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
haye heard of, any nonconformist minister in prison
for debt.
[It is obyious, he writes, to observe at four seve-
ral times, and upon four several occasions, ministers
have been silenced and turned out of their places ;
and yet still, after a time, more or less restored
again.
i. In Queen Mary's days, — ^because they would
not close with popery at the return of it. But that
interdict lasted under five years, being taken off
upon Queen Elizabeth's coming to the throne.
2. In Queen Elizabeth's, King James's, and King
Charles's days, — because they could not conform to
the hierarchy and ceremonies; and this interdict
lasted long, even till the Long Parliament, A. D.
1640 ; but it was then taken off.
3. Under the Long Parliament many ministers
were sequestered and silenced for malignancy, and
not covenanting.
4. Many others, after the King's death, for not
engaging to be true to the Commonwealth, as then
established; both which restraints, though much
remitted before, yet quite ceased at the coming in
of the King, A. 1>. 1660.
And now more ministers are silenced, and with
more severity than ever, by the Act of August 2i,
And who among us can tell for how long ? This
only I know, — He who katk delivered, doth deliver.
Script. March 31, 1663.
The Lord is my protection, I shall not fall. What
need I fear ?
The Lord is mif portion, I thall not want. What
need I care 7*^]
In October, 1663, Mr. Steel, and Mr. Henry, and
some other of their friends,' were taken up and
brought prisoners to Hanmer,™ under pretence of
some plot said to be on foot against the government :
and there they were kept under confinement some
days, on which he writes ; — It is sweet being in any
condition with a clear conscience. The sting of
death is sin, and so of imprisonment also. It is the
first time, saith he, I was ever a prisoner, but per-
haps may not be the last. We felt no hardship, but
we know not what we may. They were, after some
days, examined by the Deputy Lieutenants, charged
with they knew not what^ and so dismissed, finding
verbal security to be forthcoming upon twenty-four
hours' notice, whenever they should be called for.
Mr. Henry returned to his tabernacle with thanks-
givings to God, and a hearty prayer for his enemies,
that God would forgive them. The very next day
1c P. Henry. Grig. MS.
1 Luke Lloyd, Esq. was one of the number. P. Henry. Diary,
Orig. MS.
m Mr. Steel being removed from Hanmer by Uie Bartholomew
Act, Mr. Hilton was pot in there, and left Worthenbniy, which
continued long aOer without any stated supply. Life. Orig. MS.
Minora.
1 SirEvmn Lloyd, Governor of Cbeeter, is the person referred
after they were released, a great man in the coun-
try, at whose instigation they were brought into that
trouble, died, as was said, of a drunken surfeit.*^
So that a man shall say,-- Verily there is a God that
judgeth in the earth.
In the beginning of the year 1666, when the Act for
a Royal Aid, to His Majesty, of two millions and a
half, came out, the Commissioners for Flintshire were
pleased to nominate Mr. Henry sub-collector of the
said tax for the township of Iscoyd, and Mr. Steel for
the township of Hanmer. They intended thereby to
put an affront and disparagement upon their ministry,
and to show that they looked upon them but as lay-
men.** His note upon it is,— It is not a sin which
they put us upon, but it is a cross, and a cross in
our way, and, therefore, to be taken up and borne
with patience. When I had better work to do, I
was wanting in my duty about it, and now this is
put upon me; the Lord is righteous. He procured
the gathering of it by others, only took account of
it, and saw it duly done ; and deserved, as he said
he hoped he should, that inscription mentioned in
Suetonius, ladkCtQ rtKuvtiaavn, — To the memory of an
honest publican.'
In September, the same year, he was again, by
warrant from the Deputy Lieutenant, fetched pri-
soner to Hanmer, as was also Mr. Steel and others.
He was examined about private meetings. Some
such, but private indeed, he owned he had been
present at of late, in Shropshire, but the occasion
was extraordinary ; the plague was at that time
raging in London, and he, and several of his friends,
having near relations there, thought it time to seek
the Lord for them, and this was imputed to him as
his crime. He was likewise charged with adminis-
tering the Lord's supper, which he denied, having
never administered it since he was disabled by the
Act of Uniformity. After some days' confinement,
seeing they could prove nothing upon him, he was
discharged upon recognizance of £20, with two
sureties, to be forthcoming upon notice, and to live
peaceably, '^Bniy saith he, our restraint was not
strict, for we had liberty of prayer and conference
together, to our mutual edification. Thus out of the
eater came forth meat, and out of the strong sweet-
ness; and we found honey in the carcase of the lion,
[In reference to his own improvement, his Diary,
about this period, contains the following interesting
record.— Covenants renewed in these particulars.
By the Lord's help, I purpose to be more substantial
in secret worship ; more sparing of precious time ;
to. His death occurred, Oct 15, 1663. P. Henry. Diary, Orig.
MS.
o Hit excellent son notes, on one occasion,— Fell in company
with Mr. D — ; he told me he looked upon me as a deceived lay.
man. God give me grace to make this good use of the censure-
to be so much the more diligent to approve myself a yood miniUn
•fJn%$ CkrUt. Matthew Henry. Diary, Orig. MS. March 10, I70SA
P Sabinus. See Matt. Henry's Expos. Mar. ii. 13—18.
THE LIFE OP MR, PHILIP HENRY.
6S
more constmnt in reading the Scriptures alone, and
meditating in them ; more carefal to improve all
oppoitonitiea of doing good to souLs : not only tak-
ing but seeking them ; less fearful about ey^its when
in a way of duty. In all which I have lately missed
it, but the Lord hath pardoned me in Christ Jesns.<>]
It was but a little before this, that Mr. Steel, set-
ting out for London, was, by a warrant from the
justices, nnder colour of the report of a plot, stopped
and searched, and, finding nothing to accuse him
of, they seised his almanack,' in which he kept his
Diaiy for that year ; and, it not being written very
legibly, they made what malicious readings and
comments they pleased upon it, to his great wrong
and leproach ; though, to all sober and sensible
people, it discoTered him to be a man that kept a
striet watch over bis own heart, and was a g^reat
hnsband of his time, and many said they got good
by h, and should love him the better for it. Psalm
xxxrii. 5, 6. This event made Mr. Henry some-
wbt more caotious and sparing in the records of
his Diary, irhen be saw how evil men dig up mischief.
At Lady I>ay, 1666, the Five-mile Act eom-
meneed, by -which all nonconformist ministers were
forbidden, upon pain of six months imprisonment,
to oome or be -within five miles of any corporation, or
of any place where they had been ministers, unless
tbey would take an oath ; of which Mr. Baxter saith,
it was credibly reported, that the Earl of South-
ampton, then Lord High Treasurer of England,
said. No honest man could take it. Mr. Baxter, in
bis life, hath set down at large his reasons against
takmg this Oxford oath, as it was called, part ii. p.
398, &c. part. iii. p. 4, &c. Mr. Henry set his down
in short. It was an oath, not at any time to endea-
four any alteration of the government, in the church
or state. He had already taken an oath of alle-
giance to the King, and he looked upon this to
amount to an oath of allegiance to the bishops,
which he was not free to take. Thus he writes,
Maich 22, 1066-6:
This day methoughts it was made more clear to
me than ever, by the hand of God upon me, and I
note It down, that I may remember it; (1.) That
the government of the church of Christ ought to be
managed by the ministers of Christ. It appears,
Hebrews xiii. 7. that they are to rule us, that speak
to OS the word of God. (2.) That nnder prelacy,"
miaisters have not the management of church-go-
1 P. Heoiy. Orig. MS.
' GoUmith's was uaed by Mr. Henry. He had it interleaved
lor the purpoae ofa Diary. In blank leaves, at the beginning and
tht end, be often made extracts from books, or recorded remarka
which occurred in con venation, &c
• Dr. Wordawoitb baa the following annotation connected with
the abof« aentanoe ;— This reasoning seems hardly worth the
aottar dowaaad icmembering. Do not prelates speak to us the
wcRd of Gad 1 (are not tbey. too, ministers of Christ t) and are they
not enfitlcd, tlwrcfivr* <if the citation from the apoatlc be valid J
vemment, not in the least, being only the publishers
of the prelates' decrees, as in exconununication, and
absolution ; which decrees sometimes are g^ven forth
by lay-ehancellors. (3.) That, therefore, prelacy is
an usurpation in the church of God, upon the crown
and dignity of Jesus Christ, and upon the gospel-
rights of his servants the ministers. And therefore,
(4.) I ought not to subscribe to it, nor to swear not
to endeavour, in all lawful ways, the alteration of it,
viz. by praying and persuading, where there is
opportunity. But, (5.) That I may safely venture
to suffer in the refusal of such an oath, committing
my soul, life, estate, liberty, all, to him who judgeth
righteously.
And on March 25, the day when that act took
place, he thus writes : A sad day among poor
ministers up and down this nation ; who, by this act
of restraint, are forced to remove from among their
friends, acquaintance, and relations, and to sojourn
among strangers, as it were in Meteeh and in tk§
tents of Kedar, But there is a God who tells their
wenderingsj and will put their tearsy and the tears of
their wives and children, into his bottle. Arc they
not in his book ? The Lord be a little sanctuary to
them, and a place of refuge from* the storm, and from
the tempest, and pity those places from which they
are ejected, and come and dwell where they may
not.
He wished their removes might not be figurative
of evil to these nations, as Ezekiel's were, Ezekie!
xii. 1, 2, 3. This severe dispensation forced Mr.
Steel and his family from Hanmer, and so he lost
the comfort of his neighbourhood ; but withal it
drove Mr. Lawrenoe from Baschurch to Whitchurch
parish, where he continued till he was driven thence
too.
Mr. Henry's house at Broad Oak was but four
reputed miles from the utmost limits of Worthenbuiy
parish, but he got it measured, and accounting 1700
yards to a mile, according to the Statute, 35 Eliz.
cap. 6, it was found to be just five miles and three-
score yards, which one would think might have been
his security. But there were those near him who
were ready to stretch such laws to the utmost rigour,
under pretence of construing them in favour of the
King, and, therefore, would have it to be understood
of reputed miles. This obliged him for some time
to leave his family, and to sojourn among his friends,
to whom he endeavoured, wherever he came, to
to rule over us t" Eccl. Biog. v. 6. p. 238. Mr. Henry's language
is, however, evidently to be construed in connexion with the
existing state of tbintts, and in contrast with those early days of
episcopacy, to which reference is thus made in the Homilies f
" Tliey were then preaching bishops, and more often seen in pul.
pits than princes* palaces; more often occupied in his legacy,
who said,— >l»!9 jrr inta th» wkoU Mwrld, and yreaeJk th* gotpel to aU awa,
than in embaamges and aflhtrs of princes in this world." The
Homilies appointed to be read in Churches in the time of Queen
Elizabeth, p. 214. 4ta 1706.
64
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
impart some spiritual gift. At last he ventured
home, presuming, among other things, that the war-
rant hy which he was made collector of the Royal
Aid, while that continued, would secure him, ac-
cording to a proviso in the last clause of the act,
which, when the gentlemen perceived, they dis-
charged him from that office, before he had served
out the time.
[In a document consisting of reasons on the sub-
ject, he thus concludes in favour of measured, rather
than reputed, miles.
1. Because measured miles are certain ; reputed
miles uncertain ; one reputing more, another less.
2. Because otherwise some would be punished
beyond others ; viz. those who live where reputed
miles are of extraordinary length.
3. Because in penal laws the interpretation should
be such as most favours the offender.
4. Upon other statutes the decision of controver-
sies hath been by measuring ; ergo in this.
6. He who swears against the delinquent must
swear, not that it is reputed, but that it is five miles.
It is not always from one great town to another that
the question is like to be, but from a particular
house, — as suppose Broad Oak, to an obscure boun-
dary,—suppose the Sam.
6. The Scripture speaks of measured miles in a
law-case, Deuteronomy xxi. 2.^]
He was much affected with it, that the burning of
London happened so soon after the nonconformists
were banished out of it. He thought it was in mercy
to them, that they were removed before that deso-
lating judgment came, but that it spoke aloud to our
governors, — Let my people go that they may serve
me ; and if ye will not, behold this and thus will I do
unto you. This was the Lord's voice crying in tlie
6ity.
In the beginning of the year 1667, he removed
with his family to Whitchurch," and dwelt there
above a year, except that for one quarter of a year,
about harvest, he returned again to Broad Oak.
His remove to Whitchurch was partly to quiet his
adversaries, who were ready to quarrel with him
upon the Five-mile act, and partly for the benefit of
the school there for his children.
t p. Henry. Grig. BIS.
« In some memoranda respecting his eldest son, Bfr. Henry writes;
—In January. 1667, we removed to Whitcharch, partly to satisTy
the law, partly to have convenient schooling for him and his bro-
ther, in regard Mr. Catheral was appointed by Sir Orlando Bridg-
man to teach in Wigland, in a hoose newly built by him for that
purpose, which was too for oflT us. I entered him at the Free
School, being yet in coats, which had never been known there
before. Orig. MS.
r He was bom at Worthenbury, May 3, 1661. His complexion
was observed to be sweet and ruddy, his countenance compleat,
bis eyes lively. He was baptized. May 12, by Mr. George Main-
waring, late of Malpas. He preached in the morning, firom Zech.
xii. 1. I preached in the afternoon, flrom Ps. li. 5. On the 14th of
May, neighbours dined with us, and rejoiced in Ood's goodness.
There, In April following, he buried his eldest
son,"" not quite six years old, a child of extraordinary
pregnancy and forwardness in learning, and of a
very towardly disposition. His character of this
child is,
Prater que atatem nil puerile fuit,
[He was remarkable for four things.
1. Forwardness in learning, having all the three
requisites, — apprehension, j udgment, memory ,—«ven
beyond his age, and also a great love to it ; never
seeking, at any time, to stay from school.
2. Tenderness of disposition. He was apt to melt
into tears at the least show of displeasure, though
but in a frown.
3. Patience under correction ; which he had not
often, because he did not deserve it ; and, when he
did, his penitence prevented it, if not altogether, yet
in the severity of it.
4. Love to his brother and sisters. When Mat-
thew sickened first, with the measles, (of which John
died,) he went to bed with him of his own accord,
sooner than ordinary, and wept over him.
He was of a strong, healthy constitution, not
smaying* for cold in school like other children. He
was full of action, stirring, always doing something,
and what he did, he did with all his might']
This child, before he was seized with the sickness
whereof he died, was much afiected with some verses
which he met with in Mr. White's Power of Godli-
ness,^ said to be found in the pocket of a hopeful
young man, who died before he was twenty-four
years old. Of his own accord he got them without
book, and would be often rehearsing them: they
were these ; —
Not twice twelve years (he might say.
Not half twelve years) full told, a wearied breath
I have exchanged for a happy death.
Short was my life ; the longer is my rest ;
God takes them soonest whom he loveth best
He that is bom to^ay and dies to-morrow,
Loses some hours of joy, but months of sorrow ;
Other diseases often come to grieve us.
Death strikes but once, and that stroke doth
relieve us.
The same night my dear wife began to be ill of an ague. There
are no comforts but what are mixed and chequered till we come
to heaven. Tis the evening commends the day ; therefore, we
should serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. In
the beginning of 1665, he went to school to Mr. Samuel Catheral,
at Whitewell chapel, and by the end of that year, had learned to
read English. In the beginning of 1666, he began his accidence,
which he despatched in that year, with some of his grammar also.
P. Henry. Orig. MS.
V Probably a contraction of diaoaying.
X p. Henry. Orig. MS.
7 See onte, p. 32. The copy which belonged to BIr. Henry, con-
taining his hand-writing, and a few words ill written, supposed to
be his son Jcfhn's, is in the editor's possession. See an account
of Mr. White, in the Noncon. Mem. v. i. p. 106. ut npra.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHIUP HENRY.
66
Tins was a greal affliction to the tender parents.
Xr. Hemy writes upon it in the reflection,
€hnequid anuu eupias non placuisse nimis
Many years after, he said, he thought he did
ipply to himself at that time, but too sensibly, that
soiptare. Lamentations, iii. 1. — I am the man that
katk iten ajfiietion. And he would say to his friends
■poD such occasions, — '* Losers think they may have
leave to speak,' but they must have a care what
tfMy lay, lest speaking amiss to God's dishonour,
tfMy make work for repentance, and shed tears that
Bast be wept over ag^ain,"* He observed concern-
ing this child, that he had always been very patient
nder rebokes. The remembrance of which^ saith he,
teadieth me now how to cany it under the rebukes
of my hcayenly Father. His prayer under this pro-
vidaice wasy— Show me, Lord, show me wherefore
ikon cootendest with me ; have I over-boasted, over-
bred, orer-priced ? A Lord's day intervening be-
tween Hie death and burial of the child, — I attended,
saith he, on public ordinances, though sad in spirit,
ai Job, who, after all the evil tidings that were
kouglit him, whereof death of children was the last
and heaviest, yet fell down and worshipped. And
he would often say upon such occasions, that weep-
iag most not hinder sowing. Upon the interment''
of tike child, he writes,— My dear child, now mine
BO longer, was laid in the cold earth, not lost, but
loon to be raised again a glorious body, and I shall
go to him, but he shall not return to me. A few
days alter, his dear friend, Mr. Lawrence, then living
in Wbitchnrch parish, buried a daughter, that was
grown up and very hopeful, and g^ve good evidence
of a work of g^ce wrought upon her soul. How
willing, aaith he, may parents be to part with such
when the Lord calls ; they are not amini but pra-
■ifW. And he hath this further remark,— The Lord
hath made his poor servants, that have been often
companions in his work, now companions in tribu-
iaticm, the very same tribulation ; me for my sin,
him for his trial.*
While he lived at Whitchurch, he attended con-
stantly upon the public ministry, and there, as ever,
he waa careful to come to the beginning of the ser-
vice, which he attended upon with reverence and
devotion; standing all the time, even while the
dttpCers were read.
[He saidy—He that gives to God his soul, and
scfwcs him with the inner man, will think no out-
ward expression of reverence too much. He will
give his body too.', Mr. Hemy had high thoughts of
Too mort give losers
to ipeak. Ben Jonaon, v. 6. p. 106. oct 101&
• See Biibop Poreiidgc't Private Thoughts, Article IV.
k He died April It. Monday, AprillS, be was boiied, toward the
upper end of the siiddle aisle in Whitchurch church. ICr. Samuel
EdwardiWidt srhonhnaster, preached his ftmeial sermon. Text,
MaifciiiLaa P. Btmy. Oilg. MS.
the body as well as the soul. He would say, it is the
workmanship of God, therefore not to be misused, —
it is the house of the soul, — it is the servant to the soul,
made use of in honouring God,— it is the purchase of
Christ, united to him, 1 Corinthians vi. 1^. — ^it is the
temple of the Holy Ghost, 1 Corinthians vi. 19.—
it is intended for glorious things in the resurrection,
Philippians iii. 21. Job xix. 26. 1 Corinthians xv.<]
In the evening of the Lord's day, he spent some
time in instructing his family, to which a few of his
friends and neighbours in the town would some-
times come in ; and it was a little gleam of oppor-
tunity, but very short, for, as he notes ; — He was
offended at it, who should rather have rejoiced, if,
by any means, the work might be carried on in his
people's souls.
He observes in his Diary tnis year, how zealous
people had generally been for the observation of
Lent, a while ago, and how cold they are towards it
now. The same he notes of processions in Ascen-
sion-week ; for, saith he, what hath no good foun-
dation, will not hold up long ; but in that which is
duty, and of God, it is good to be zealously affected
always.
In this year, I think, was the first time that he
administered the Lord's supper, very privately to be
sure, after he was silenced by the Act of Unifor-
mity ; and he did not do it without mature delibera-
tion. A fear of separation kept him from it so long;
what induced him to it at last, I find thus under his
own hand. I am a minister of Christ, and as such
I am obliged, virtute officii^ by all means to endea-
vour the good of souls. Now here is a company of
serious Christians, whose lot is cast to live in a
parish, where there is one set over them, who preach-
eth the truth ; and they come to hear him, and join
with him in other parts of worship ; only, as to the
Lord's supper, they scruple the lawfulness of the
gesture of kneeling ; and he tells them, his hands
are tied, and he cannot administer it unto them any
other way ; wherefore they come to me, and tell me,
they earnestly long for that ordinance ; and there is
a competent number of them, and opportunity to
partake ; and how dare I deny this request of theirs,
without betraying my ministerial trust, and incur-
ring the g^ilt of a grievous omission ?
In February, 1667-8.' Mr. Lawrence and he were
invited by some of their friends to Betley, in Staf-.
fordshire, and (there being some little public con-
nivance at that time) with the consent of all con-
cerned, they adventured to preach in the church,
one in the morning, and the other in the afternoon,
e When others are aiBicted, we are to conclude it is for trial,—
when ouFselves, for sin. Calamy. P. Henry's Com. Place Book.
Orig. MS.
i P. Henry. See Mem. of Mn. Savage, p. 217. •i mipTa.
• lb. Orig. BdS.
f AppeAdis,No.XlV.
06
THE LIFE OF MR, PHIUP HENRY.
of the Lord's day, very peaceably and profitably.
This action of theirs was presently after reported in
the House of Commons, by a Member of Parlia-
ment,' with these additions, — ^That they tore the
Common Prayer Book, trampled the surplice under
their feet, pulled down the ministers of the place out
of the pulpit, &c. Reports which there was not the
least colour for. But that, with some other such
like false stories, produced an address of the House
of Commons to the King, to issue out a proclamation
for the putting of the laws in execution against
papists and nonconformists, which was issued out
accordingly ; though the King, at the opening of
that Session a little before, had declared his desire,
that some course might be taken, to compose the
minds of his Protestant subjects, in matters of re-
ligion ; which had raised the expectations of some,
that there would be speedy enlargement ; but Mr.
Henry had noted upon it,^We cannot expect too
little from man,** nor too much from God.
And here it may be very pertinent to observe,
how industrious Mr. Henry was at this time, when
he and his friends suffered such hard things from
the government, to preserve and promote a good af-
fection to the government notwithstanding. It was
commonly charged at that time upon the noncon-
formists in general, especially from the pulpits,' that
they were all a factious and turbulent people, as
was said of old,— Ezra iv. 16.— hurtful to kings
and provinces; that their meetings were for the
sowing of sedition and discontents, and the like;
and there is some reason to think, that one thing in-
tended by the hardships put upon them, was to
drive them to this : there is a way of making a wise
man mad. But how peaceably they carried them-
selves, is manifest to God, and in the consciences of
many. For an instance of it, it will not be amiss
to give some account of a sermon, which Mr. Henry
preached in some very private meetings, such as were
called seditious conventicles, in the year 1669, when
it was a day of treading down, and of perplexity ;
it was on that text. Psalm xxxv. 20. Against them
that are quiet in the land. Whence (not to curry
favour with rulers, for whatever the sermon was, the
very preaching of it, had it been known, must have
been severely punished, but purely out of conscience
towards God) he taught his friends this doctrine, —
That it is the character of the people of God, that
they are a quiet people in the land. *' This quiet-
ness he described to be an orderly, peaceable sub-
r Miyor-^neral Egrerton. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
b I remember one saying or General Lambert's, *'Tbat the best
of men are but men at the best.** Letters written by Eminent Per.
sons, and Lives of Eminent Men, by John Aubrey, Esq. voL ii. part
I, p. 199.
i The cleiigytnan at White well Chapel sometimes was one of the
accusers above alluded to. On one of those occasions, Mr. Henry
thus writes ;— *' Mr. Green at chapel to-day aeemed to say some-
thiag with reflection : Mark thm that eatue diviiiotu, mvins tktir
jection to governors and government in the Lord.
We must maintain a reverent esteem of them, and
of their authority, in opposition to despising do-
minion, 2 Peter ii. 10. We must be meek, under
severe commands, and burdensome impositions, not
murmining and complaining, as the Israelites
against Moses and Aaron; but take them up as
our cross in our way, and bear them as we do foul
weather. We must not speah evil of dignities^ Jude
8. nor revile the gods, Exodus xxii. 28. . Paul
checked himself for this, Acts xxiii. 5. dvc ffiuVy I did
not consider it ; if I had, I would not have said so.
We must not traduce their government, as Absalom
did David's, 2 Samuel xv. 3. Great care is to be
taken how we speak of the faults of any, especially
of rulers, Ecclesiastes x. 20. — ^The people of God do
make the word of God their rule, and by that they
are taught, (1.) That magistracy is God's ordi^
nance, and magistrates God's ministers ; that by him
kings reign, and the powers that be are ordained of
him. (2.) That they, as well as others, are to have
their dues; honour, and fear, and tribute. (3.) That
their lawful commands are to be obeyed, and that
readily and cheerfully, Titus iii. 1. (4.) That the
penalties inflicted for not obeying unlawful com-
mands, are patiently to be undergone. This is the
rule, and as many as walk according to this rule.
Peace shall he upon them, and there can be no dan-
ger of their unpeaceableness. They are taught to
pray for kings and all in authority, 1 Timothy ii. 1,
2. and God forbid we should do otherwise ; yea,
though they persecute, Jeremiah xxix. 7. Peace-
able prayers bespeak a peaceable people, Psalm cix.
4. If some professing religion have been unquiet,
their unquietness hath given the lie to their profes-
sion, Jude 8, 11, 12. Quietness is our badgei
Colossians iii. 12. It will be our strength, Isaiah
XXX. 7, 15, our rejoicing in the day of evil, Jere-
miah xviii. 18. It is pleasing to God, I Timothy iL
2, 3. It may work upon others, 1 Peter ii. 12, 13,
The means he prescribed for the keeping of us quiet,
were to get our hearts filled with the knowledge and
belief of these two things : 1. That the kingdom of
Christ is not of this world, John xviii. 36. Many have
thought otherwise, and it made them unquiet. 2.
That the wrath of man worheth not the righteousness
of God, James i. 20. He needs not our sin to bring
to pass his own counsel. We must mortify unquiet-
ness in the onuses of it, James iv. 1. We must al-
ways remember the oath of God, Ecclesiastes viii. 2.
•»» bdlf. Lord, I can only appeal to thee, and ny, if I seelL
myself in what I do, or my own things, and not the good of souls*
and the advancement of thy glory ; if I do it in any respect to di-
vide, then fill my face with shame, and let my enemies have power
over me. But if otherwise,— Lord, take my part, and plead
my cause, and clear my integrity, for thy mercy sake." Diaiy,
Orig. MS.
See an appeal somewhat similar by the venerable martyr Bishop
Hooper. Fuller's Ch. Hist. b. vii. p. 401 fol. M55. .
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
67
The oath of alle^ance is an oath of quietness.
And we must beware of the company and converse
of those that are unquiet. Proverbs xxii. 24, 25.
Tboug^h deceitful matters be devised, yet we must
bd quiet still ; nay, be so much the more quiet."
I have been thus large in gathering these hints
oat of that sermon, (which he took all occasions in
odier sermons to inculcate, as all his brethren like-
wise did,) that if possible it may be a conviction to
the present generation ; or, however, may be a wit-
ness in time to come, that the nonconformist minis-
ters were not enemies to Caesar, nor troublers of
the land ; nor their meetings any way tending to
the disturbance of the public peace, but purely de-
signed to help to repair the decays of Christian
piety.
All that knew Mr. Henry, knew very well that his
practice all his days was consonant to these his
settled principles.
In May, 1668,'^ he returned again with his family
ram Whitchurch to Broad Oak, which, through the
;ood hand of his God upon him, continued his set-
led home, without any remove from it, till he was
amoved to his long home above twenty-eight years
ifter. The edge of the Five-mile Act began now a
ittle to abate, at least in that country ; and he was
iesirous to be more useful to the neighbours, among
whom God hath given him an estate, than he could
t>e at a distance from them, by relieving the poor,
employing the labourers, especially instructing the
ignorant, and helping as many as be could to heaven.
Be made that scripture his standing rule, and wrote
it in the banning of his book of accounts, Pro-
ferbs iii. 9, 10. Honour the Lord with thy substance,
kc. And having set apart a day of secret prayer
ind humiliation, to beg of God a wise and an un-
derstanding heart, and to drop a tear, as he ex-
presseth it, over the sins of his predecessors, for-
merly in that estate, he laid out himself very much
IB dioing good. He was very serviceable upon
all accounts in the neighbourhood, and though it
to(^ up a. great deal of his time, and hindered him
from his beloved studies, yet it might be said of
him, as the Bishop of Salisbury saith of Archbishop
liltotsoo, in his sermon at his funeral, that he
ehose rather to live to the good of others than
to himself ; and thought, tbat to do an a^pt of cha-
rity, or even of tenderness and kindness, was of
Bore value, both in itself, and in the sight of God,
k Mftj 3L This week I removed again with my (kmily from
Vbitdmrcfa to Broad Oke, Zvv Ocm.
The reaaoDS indadng me thereunto were these ;
L The ccuii^ of thoae things which brought us thence t which
rere.1 To avoid the penalty of the taw, now rebated. 2. For
loodscbooUnf for my ions, now not to be had, by the removal of
fr. Edwards to Newport ; and besides, the Lord hath taken my
'Jdcstsoo tohimsetr, twbiaiA etaud, loBUur tftctut.
1L That 1 nifht be of mcnre me thefe where God hath given me
ui ettate, than I can be at this distance, by relieving the poor
'kcRabovli^ and hy helpfug as many as I can to heaven. Now,
p 9
than to pursue the pompous parts of learning, how
much soever his own genius might lead him to it.'
He was very useful in the common concernments
of the township and country, in which he was a
very prudent counsellor ; it was, indeed, a narrow
sphere of activity, hut, such as it was, to him, — as
to Job, chapter xxix. 21, 22.— 3feit gave ear and
waited, and kept silence at his counsel; after his
words they spake not again ; and many of the neigh-
bours who respected him not as a minister, yet loved
and honoured him as a knowing, prudent, and
humble neighbour. In the concernments of private
families, he was very far from busying himself, and
further from seeking himself; but he was very much
busied, advising many about their affairs, and the
disposal of themselves and their children, arbitrat-
ing and composing differences among relations and
neighbours, in which he had an excellent faculty,
and often good success, inheriting the blessing
entailed upon the peace-makers. References have
sometimes been made to him by rule of court, at
the assizes, with consent of parties. He was very
affable and easy of access, and admirably patient in
hearing every one's complaint, which he would
answer with so much prudence and mildness, and
give such apt adviccf, that many a time to consult
with him, was to ask counsel at Abel, and so to end
the matter.*^ He observed, in almost all quarrels
that happened, that there was a fault on both sides ;
and that generally they were most in the fault, that
were most forward and clamorous in their com-
plaints. One making her moan to him of a bad
husband she had, that in this and the other instance
was unkind ; and Sir, saith she, after a long com-
plaint which he patiently heard, what would you
have me to do now ? Why truly, saith he, I would
have you to go home, and be a better wife to him, and
then you will find that he will be a better husband to
you. Labouring to persuade one to forgive an in-
jury that was done him ; he urged this, Are you not
a Christian ?° and followed that argument so close
that at last he prevailed.
He was very industrious, and oft successful, in
persuading people to recede from their right for
peace sake ; and he would for that purpose tell tnem
Luther's story of the two goats, that met upon a
narrow bridge over a deep water ; they could not
go back, they durst not fight ; after a short parley,
one of them lay down, and let the other go over him.
Lord, glorify thyself in and by thy poor servant, and prevent
trouble here, or.make me able to bear it. P. Henry's Diary.
Orig. MS.
1 pp. 24, 25. 4tO. 1694.
m See 2 Sam. xx. 18.
n In allusion, probably, to the martyrs, particularlyt •* that
blessed woman," Blandina, who, " fighting the worthy battell, be.
came stronger and stronger, and as often as she spake these
words,— /«! a CkrUtian, neither have Wee committed any evill,
—it was to her a marvellous comfort and .boldening to abide
the torments." Fox's Acts and Monuments, v. I. p. 60. foL 1641.
68
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
and no hann was done.* He would likewise relate
sometimes a remarkable story, worthy to be here
inserted, concerning a good friend of his, Mr. T. Y.p
of Whitchurch, who in his youth was greatly wrong-
ed by an unjust uncle of his. Being an orphan,
his portion, which was £200, was put into the
hands of that uncle ; who, when he grew up, shuf-
fled with him, and would give him but £40, instead
of his £200, and he had no way of recovering his
right but by law ; but before he would engage in
that, he was willing to advise with his minister, who
was the famous Dr. Twiss,'» of Newbury; the coun-
sel he gave him, all things considered, was, for
peace sake, and for the preventing of sin, and
snares, and trouble, to take the £40, rather than
contend ; and Thomas, saitfa the Doctor, if thou dost
so, assure thyself, that God will make it up to thee
and thine some other way, and they that defraud
thee will be the losers by it at last He did so, and it
pleased God so to bless that little which he began the
world with, that when he died in a good old age, he
left his son possessed of some hundreds a year ; and
he that wronged him fell into decay.
Many very pious, worthy families in the country
would say of Mr. Henry, tiiat they had no friend
like-minded, who did naturally care for their state,
and so affectionately sympathize with them, and in
whom their hearts could safely trust
[The interest of families lay near his heart, and,
sometimes, he would ask the affectionate question.
Are there no families to be wept over? Yes. When
there are none in a family, as far as we can judge,
spiritually alive. As in Eg^pt, there was not a
house in which there was not one dead, so there are
many families in which not one is alive* We weep
over the body from which the soul is departed, and
why not over the soul from which God is departed ?
There are families too in which God is not wor-
shipped. And are not those to be wept over? There
are families where worldliness prevails, where all
are for the wealth of the world, and where there is no
care for the soul. There are families where divisions
reig^, two are against three, and three against two ;
and there the house is on fire ; the house is falling.
o The moral is easy. Be content thy person be trod upon for
peace sake. Thy ptnw^ 1 say, not thy enuciimcf. P. Henry.
Orig. MS.
p Yates.
q Dr. Twiss, Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines, in 1643.
He died the 90th of July, 1646. SBt. 71. He was oflTered a preben.
dary at Winchester, which he declined, because he foresaw it
would excite a quarrel between two neighbouring clergymen.
Clark's Lives of Eminent Persons, p. 13. «f npra.
r P. Henry. From a MS. in Mr. Matt Henry's hand. writing.
• This was the practice of Dr. Hammond. See his Life, by Dr.
Pell, p. 160. kf ntfra. It is said of a renowned nobleman, that he
would often give to labouring men .** good summes of money,
making them believe bee did but lend it them ; and causfaigsome
about him to passe their words for the repayment, when hee never
meant to receire it again t but did that, as himself was wont to
r^/y u^ inpoUde, to make them continae their iaboor, and to be
There are families where God's hand hath been by |
correction, and they have been sensible of it ; but ^
the correction being removed, they are as bad or ,
worse than ever. These are to be wept over.^J t
He was very charitable to the poor, and was full
of alms'-deeds, which he did, (as was said of Tabitha, .
Acts ix. 36.) not which he said he would do, or
which he put others on to do, but which he did kirn-
selfy dispersing abroad and giving to the poor, seek-
ing and rejoicing in opportunities of that kind. And
whenever he gave an alms for the body, he usually
gave with it a spiritual alms, some good word of
counsel, reproof, instruction, or comfort, as there
was occasion, and in accommodating these to the
persons he spoke to, he had a very great dexterity.
He was very forward to lend" money freely to
any of his poor neighbours that had occasion, and
would sometimes say, that in many cases there was
more charity in lending than in giving, because it
obliged the borrower both to honesty and industiy.
When one of his neighbours, to whom he had lent
three pounds, failed, so that he was never likely to
see a farthing of it, he writes thus upon it ; — not-
withstanding this, yet still I judge it my duty to
lend, Miy^v dwfXwUifav, nothing despairing ; so Dr.
Hanmiond reads it, Luke vi. 36. Though what is
lent in charity be not repaid, yet it is not lost
When those that had borrowed money of him paid
him again, he usually gave them back some part, to
encourage honesty. He judged the taking of mode-
rate interest for money lawful,' where the borrower
was in a way of gaining by it. But he would advise
his friends that had money rather to dispose of it
otherwise if they could.
It must not be forgotten, how punctual and exact
he was in all his accounts with tenants, workmen,
&c. being always careful to keep such things in black
and white, as he used to say, which is the surest way
to prevent mistakes, and a man's wronging either
himself or his neighbour ; such was his prudence,
and such his patience and peaceableness, that all
the time he was at Broad Oak, he never sued any,
nor ever was sued, but was instrumental \o prevent
many a vexatious law-suit among his neighbours.
good husbands." A Sermon preached at the Funeral of WiUiarn
Lord Russel. by William Walker. D. D. p. 4a 4to. 1614.
t Bfr. Henry has thus recorded the opinion of Mr. Baxter on this
subject It is transcribed from his coinmon.phice book. *' If
usury be condemned, 'tis either by law of nature or some positive
law. If the former, then either as an act of impiety, ipjustice, or
unmercifuhiess. That which can be proved to have any of these
I am resolved against, but there is some usury which I am not
able to see any of these in, nay, I think I could so lend on usury
in some cases, as might be as great an act of bounty or mercy as
to give near half the money. If it be forbidden by a positive law,
then either of Moses, or of Christ. Not of Moses, for the Mosaic
law is abrogated, though much of the matter of it be still in force,
—as the law of nature, and of Christ Not of Christ ; for where
hath Christ any such posiUve law ! On these grounds I fptak
against all uigust tnd unmerciful usury, but I dare go no flntber,
and yet I will justify none,— there is a paper of Dr. Sanderson's
THE LIFE OP MR. PHILIP HENRY.
m>
He used to say ,-— There are four rules to be duly ob-
lerred in going to law ; (1.) We must not go to law
for trifles, as he did who said, he would rather si>end
a hundred pounds in law, than lose a penny-worth
of his right, Matthew v. 30, 40, 41. (2.) We must
not be rash and hasty in it, but tiy all other means
possible to compose difierences ; wherein he that
yields most, as Abraham did to Lot, is the better
nan ; and there is nothing lost by it in the end, 1
Corinthians vi. 1, 2. (3.) We must see that it be
without malice, or desire of revenge. If the undoing
of oar brother be the end of our going to law, as it
is with many, it is certainly evil, and it speeds ac-
cordingly. (4.) It must be with a disposition to
peace, whenever it may be had, and an ear open to
all overtures of that kind. The two mottos proper
for the great guns are applicable to this, ratio ultima
regumf and sic qumrimus pacem,
[He was an enemy to austerity of deportment, and
much enjoyed the pleasures of social intercourse.
'' Pest-houses," he would say, '' always stand alone^
and yet are full of infectious diseases. Solitariness
is no infallible argument of sanctity."** It was against
the evil* of society his watchfulness was directed,
and these he uniformly endeavoured to counteract.
Hence four rules he sometimes g^ve to be observed in
our converse with men. Have conmiunion with few.
Be familiar with one. Deal justly with all. Speak
evil of none.
He was noted for an extraordinary neat husband
about his house and ground, which he would often
say he could not endure to see like the field of the
slothful^ and the rineyard of the man void of under-
ttanding. And it was strange, how easily one that
had been bred up utterly a stranger to such things,
yet when God so ordered his lot, acquainted himself
with, and acconmiodated himself to, the affairs of
the country, making it the diversion of his vacant
hours to over-see his gardens and fields ; when he
better understood that known Epode of Horace,
Beatus ille qui procul negotiisy' than he did when in
his youth he made an ingenious translation of it.
His care of this kind was an act of charity to poor
labourers whom he employed ; and it was a good
example to his neighbours, as well as for the com-
fort of his family. His converse likewise with these
things was excellently improved for spiritual pur-
poses, by occasional meditations, hints of which there
tetf moderate and clear in it" Mr. Baxter. MS. letter to Mr.
Kewcome.
• Com. PI. Book. Orig. MS. " It is a acandall that is cast upon
reiigion, and the profeflBOTS of it, that they are unneighbourly and
aaiociable. God himaelf loves society, he loves holy meetings,
be lovct the communion of saints, the household of foith, and his
delSgikt is to be with the sons of men, and well approves that the
soosermentfKMild be one with another, yet so that he may not
be exdndtd.** Bzpoa. on Luke zi. 5-U. by Nehemiah Rogers,
4tOLMfiapkU9.
«£podtIL VitiaRosUcsLandea.
« P.Uenry. Diary, Oiif. MS.
are often in his Diary, as those that conversed with
him had many in discourse. Instances of this were
easy, but endless, to give.
[The following may suffice :—
1661, March 20. The garden finished in time of
an eclipse.— Lord, lift up upon me the light of thy
countenance, and let nothing cloud it towards my
soul!
Hawthorn sets planted to hedge in the orchard*
Lord, be thou a wall of fire roimd about thy church,
and let not the wild boar out of the forest devour thy
tender plants I
A tree cut up by the roots may have the leaves
green upon it a great while. So a people, or person,
devoted by God to ruin, may yet retain many of
their outward comforts for a time, but they are
withering. Saul, though rejected, obtained many
victories."
As far as the boughs of a tree spread, so far spread
the roots. As much corruption in our actions, so
much in our hearts.*
He used to say, that therefore many of the scrip-
ture parables and similitudes are taken from the
common actions of this life, that when our hands are
employed about them, our hearts may the more
easily pass through them to divine and heavenly
things. I have heard him often blame those, whose
irregular zeal in the profession of religion makes
them to neglect their worldly business, and let the
house drop through ; the affairs of which the good
man will order with discretion ; and he would tell
sometimes of a religious woman, whose fault it was,
how she was convinced of it by means of an intelli-
gent, godly neighbour ; who, coming into the house^
and finding the good woman, far in the day, in her
closet, and the house sadly neglected, children not
tended, servants not minded. — What, saith he, is
there no fear of God in Uiis house ? Which much
startled and affected the good woman, that over-
heard him. He would often say, — Every thing is
beautiful in its season ; and that it is tlie wisdom of
the pnident, so to order the duties of their general
callings as Christians, ^d those of their particular
callings in the world, as that they may not clash or
interfere,^ I have heard it observed from Ecclesiastes
vii. 16. — That there may be over-doing in well-doing.*
[He maintained, however, — That a Christian ought
not to engage himself further in worldly business
X Com. PI. Book. Orig. MS.
y One of the fathers,* speaking of the practice of Christians in
the primitive times, saith,—" At supper, we eat and drink as those
that must pray before they go to bed. So should we follow our
callings all day as those who must pray before they go to bed.*'
Lay not out the strength of your spirits upon earthly things, but
keep it for fellowship with God. P. Henry. Orig. BAS.
I It is said of the " pious and profoundly-learned ** Joseph Mede.
that the apophthegm,— Over-doing always undoes,— was " often
in his nrauth." Appendix to his Life, preflzed to his Works* p^
xlli. foL 1679.
• TaitoUiWi wd Mt ri«v«l%W*rks,Tol.Tf.p: 991.
70
THE LIFE OF MR, PHIUP HENRY.
than 80 as still to keep himself fit for prayer. And
sometimes would exclaim, — After the heart hath
been let loose a little in the world, oh, what a hard
matter is it to find it again ! *]
I cannot omit one little passage in his Diary, be-
cause it may be instructive. When he was once
desired to be bound for one that had, upon a particu-
lar occasion, been bound for him, he writes, — Solo-
mon saith, He that hateth suretyship is sure ; but he
saith also, He that hath friends, must show himself
friendly. But he always cautioned those that be-
came sureties, not to be bound for any more than
they knew themselves able to pay, nor for more than
they would be willing to pay, if the principal fail.
His house at Broad Oak was by the road side,
which, though it had its inconveniences, yet, he
would say, pleased him well, because it gave his
friends an opportunity of calling on him the oftener.'*
[He was a lover of good men, and such always
met a cordial welcome under his roof; so that he
would pleasantly say sometimes, when he had his
Christian friends about him,— He had room for twelve
of them in his beds, a hundred of them in his barn,
and a thousand of them in his heart.*^
Nor was he unmindful of others ; for he spoke of
it with pleasure, that the situation of his house also**]
gave him an opportunity of being kind to strangers,
and such as were any way distressed on the road, to
whom he was upon all occasions cheerfully ready,
fully answering the apostle's character of a bishop,
that he must be of good behaviour,— K<Kr;jioCf decent,
aflable, and obliging, — and ^iven to hospitality;
1 Timothy iii. 2. like Abraham, sitting at his tent-
door, in quest of opportunities to do good. If he
met with any poor near his house, and gave them
alms in money, yet he would bid them go to his door
besides, for relief there. He was very tender and
compassionate towards poor strangers and travellers,
though his charity and candour were often imposed
upon by cheats and pretenders, whom he was not
apt to be suspicious of ; but would say, in the most
favourable sense,— TAou knowest not the heart of a
stranger. If any asked his charity, whose representa-
tion of their case he did not like, or who he thought
did amiss to take that course, he would first give
them an alms, and then mildly reprove them ; and
labour to convince them that they were out of the
• P. Henry. Orig. MS.
b 1697.a Friday, January la
One of my dear father's remarks was this,— That, though it be
comfortable to have friends to visit, and comfort in them ; yet it
is more to have a comfortable home ; such a rest as this world
affords. Blessed be God for the remaining rest. Mrs. Savage's
Diary. Orig. MS.
The learned Henry Jessy could not ** bix>ok fruitless visits, and
wrote his mind concerning it over his studie door accordingly i"—
DirtdUnu to aU FisHon, »
No fruitless visits. No, nor speech.
For time is precious: hinder none.
way of duty, and that they could not expect that
God should bless them in it ; and would not chide
them, but reason with them. And he would say,»-
If he should tell them of their faults, and not give
them an alms, the reproof would look only like an
excuse to deny his charity, and would be rejected
accordingly.
In a word, his greatest care about the things of
this world was, how to do good with what he had,
and to devise liberal things ; desiring to make no
other accession to his estate, but only that blessing
which attends beneficence. He did firmly believe,
and it should seem few do, that what is given to the
poor, is lent to the Lord, who will pay it again in
kind or kindness ; and that religion and piety are
undoubtedly the best friends to outward prosperity,
and he found it so ; for it pleased God abundantly
to bless his habitation, and to make a hedge ahoui
him, and about his house, and about all that he had
round about.* And though he did not delight him-
self in the abundance of wealth ; yet, which is far
better, he delighted himself in the abundance of
peace ; Psalm xxxvii. 11. All that he had, and did,
observably prospered, so that the country oftentimes
took notice of it; ..and called bis family a family
which the Lord had blessed.
His comforts of this kind were, as he used to pray
they might be, — Oil to the wheels of his obedience /
and, in the use of these things, he served the Lord
his God with joy fulness and gladness of heart, yet
still mindful of, and grieved for, the affliction of
Joseph. He would say sometimes, when he was in
the midst of the comforts of this life, as that good
man ; — All this, and heaven too ! Surely, then, we
serve a good Master. Thus did the Lord bless him,
and make him a blessing ; and this abundant grace,
through the thanhsgiving of many, redounded to the
glory of God.
Having given this general account of his circum-
stances at Broad Oak, we shall now go on with his
story, especially as to the exercise of his ministry
there, and thereabouts ; for that was his Th Ipyov,
the thing in which he was, and to which he wholly
gave himself, taking other things 'Qc xaptpya. After
this settlement at Broad Oak, whenever there was
preaching at Whitewell Chapel, as usually there wa^
two Lord's days in the month, he constantly attended
Let words be few,— good. Then cease.
Despatch :— prepare for death, i \^*^ i gone.
Life duod. 1671, p. 102.
e So Mr. Vavasor Powel, who " was very free in the entertain,
ment of strangers, and all saints,'* would say.—'* He had room for
twelve in his beds, a hundred in his bams, and a thousand in his
heart." Life and Death of Mr. Powel, p. 111. duod. 1671.
d Life. Orig. MS. ut npra.
• See P. Henry's Sermons, utntpra. Sermon I. p. 33.
t If love be the weight and the oil that makes the wheels run.
thine obedience is such as it ought to be. Dyke's Worthy Com>
municant, •/ ntpro, p. 341. See jmiA p. 79.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
7t
hen with his family, was usually with the first, and
tTerently joined in the public servite ; he dili-
rently wrote the sermons; always stayed if the
ffdinance of baptism was administered, but not if
bere were a wedding, for he thoug^ht that a solem-
lity not proper for the Lord's day. He often dined
he minister that preached ; after dinner he sung a
)5alm, repeated the morning sermon, and prayed ;
tnd then attended in like manner in the afternoon,
in the evening he preached to his own family ; and,
)erfaaps, two or three of his neighbours would drop
n to him. On those Lord's days, when there was
)o preaching at the chapel, he spent the whole day
It borne ; and many an excellent sermon he preached,
rben there were present only four besides his own
amily, and perhaps not so many, according to the
imitation -of the Conventicle Act.^ In these narrow
vivate circumstances he preached over the former
•art of the Assembly's Catechism, from divers texts;
e also preached over Psalm cxvi. besides many
articular occasional subjects.
What a grief of heart it was to him, to be thus
at under a bushel, and confined to such a narrow
phere of asefnlness, read in his own words, which
shall transcribe out of an elegy he made, to give
ent to his thoughts, upon the death of his worthy
riend, Mr. George Mainwaring, some time Minister
f Malpas, who was silenced by the Act of Uni-
omity, and died, March 14, 1609-70 ; wherein he
bus bewails, feelingly enough, the like restraints
nd confinements of his friend : —
His later years he sadly spent.
Wrapt up in silence and restraint.
A burden such as none do know,
But they that do it undergo.
To have a fire, shut up and pent
Within the bowels, and no vent ;
To have gorg'd breasts, and, by a law.
Those that fain would, forbidden to draw.
But his dumb sabbaths here, did prove
Loud crying sabbaths in heav'n above.
His tears, when he might sow no more.
Watering what he had sown before.
Soon after Mr. Henrjr's settlement at Broad Oak,
e took a young scholar into the house with him ;
f In reference to the termination oT the Conventicle Act, IG
harles IL c. 4 he writes :— 16A9, March 1. This day, as is sup.
Dsed, determines th«.Act against Conventicles, the Parhament
tmg prorogued by proclamation, from this day to October 19,
hicb prorogation makes a session, and the Act was to continue
T three years, and to the end of the next session after, which is
lia
And, blesKd be God, who liath let me live to see il die { for,
loogb bat few in these parts have suffered much by it, yet some
ire, and to others it bath been as a bridle of restraint, hindering
em in the free exercise of their duty, which is, as they have
xaaioo, tosnemble themselves together for mutual edification,
hereby God bath bad great dishonour, and poor souls no small
» in heaven's way*
partly to teach his son, and partly to be a companion
to himself, to converse with him, and to receive help
and instruction from him ; and, for many years, he
was seldom without one or other such ; who before
their going to the University, or in the intervals of
their attendance there, would be in his family, sit-
ting under his shadow. One of the first he had with
him, in the year 1668, and after, was Mr. William
Turner, born in the neighbourhood ; afterwards of
Edmund Hall, in Oxford, now Vicar of Walburton
in Sussex, to whom the world is beholden for that
elaborate '* History of all Religions," which he pub*
lished in the year 1695, and from whom is earnestly
expected the performance of that nob^ and useful
project for the " Record of Providences." •» Betwixt
Mr. Henry and him there was a most entire and
affectionate friendship ; and, notwithstanding that
distance of place, a constant and endearing corres-
pondence kept up as long as Mr. Henry lived.
It was observed, that several young men who had
sojourned with him, and were very hopeful, and
likely to be serviceable to their generations, died
soon after their removal from him ; I could instance
in six or seven, as if God had sent them to him to
be prepared for another world, before they were
called for out of this ; yet never any died while they
were with him.
He had so great a kindness for the University,
and valued so much the mighty advantages of im-
provement there, that he advised all his friends who
designed their children for scholars, to send them
thither, for many years after the change, though he
always counted upon their conformity. But long
experience altered his mind herein, and he chose
rather to keep his own son at home with him, and
to give him what help he could there, in his educa-
tion, than venture him into the snares and temp-
tations of the University.
It was also soon after this settlement of his at
Broad Oak, that he contracted an intimate friend-
ship with that learned, and pious, and judicious
gentleman, Mr. Hunt of Boreatton, the son of Colo-
nel Hunt, of Salop, and with his excellent lady
Frances, daughter of the Right Honourable the
Lord Paget.* The acquaintance then begun be-
tween Mr. Henry and that worthy family, continued
to his dying day, about thirty years. One Lord's
It seems the Lord hath inclined the King's heart to this, which
is in his hand, and he tumeth it whithersoever he pleaseth. To
him be glory !
I am somewhat fearful lest any ill use should be made of this in-
dulgence by intemperate spirits, especially now at first ; which,
God prevent, for his own name, mercy, and gospel sake. P.
Henry. Diary, Orig. MS. Another Conventicle Act soon after
passed ; the 22nd Charles n. c. I.
h Afterwards published in folio, 1607.
i Ambassador for many years at Vienna, afterwards at Constan-
tinople. He and Lady I^et sojourned for some years with his
brother-in-law Mr. Hunt of Boreatton. He came oft to Broad Oke
to visit Mr. Henry. Life. Orig. MS. m/ npra. See the Life and
Errors of John Dunton, v. 1. p. 347. ut supra.
72
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
day in tf quarter he oommonly spent with them, be-
sides other interviews. And it was a constant re-
joicing to him to see religion and the power of god-
liness uppermost, in such a family as tiiat, when not
many mighty, not many noble, are called ; and the
branches of it branehei of righteovuneUy the planting
of the Lord. Divers of the honourable relations of
tiiat family contracted a very g^eat respect for him,
particularly the present Lord Paget, now his Ma-
jesty's Ambassador at the Ottoman Court, and Sir
Henry Ashurst, whom we shall have occasion after-
wards to make mention of.
[Mr. Henry also stood high in the esteem of
Thomas CAbet, Esq.'' of Stanwardine,' George
GljTve, Esq. of Walford, and Mr. Harris, of Pres-
cot These gentlemen were always glad to receive
him into their houses, and to attend upon his minis-
try whenever they had an opportunity. They lived
in the same parish,™ and though they generally fre-
quented the place of public worship, where they had
a sober, judicious, and peaceable minister, the Rev.
Mr. Hudson, yet they had often sermons preached
in their own houses by the nonconformists, who
lived near them, sometimes on week-days, sometimes
on the Lord's day, out of the time of public worship ;
and I have often seen some of Mr. Hudson's family,
his wife and children, present on such occasions."]
In the time of trouble and distress by the Conven-
ticle Act, in 1670, he kept private, and stirred little
abroad, as loth to offend those that were in power,
and judging it prudence to gather in his sails when
the storm was violent. He then observed, as that
which he was troubled at, — ^That there was a gp^eat
deal of precious time lost among professors, when
they came together, in discoursing on their adven-
tures to meet, and their escapes, which he feared
tended more to set up self, than to give glory to God.
Also in telling how they got together, and such a one
preached, but little inquiring what spiritual benefit
and advantage was reaped by it ; and that we are
k See two sermons preached at Cockahatt Chapel, Salop, by
William Gearing, entitled." Wisdom JusUfled of her Children,**
and dedicated to Robert Corbet and Thomas Corbet, of Stanwar-
dine, Esqis. and to the fertuous Gentlewomen, their Wives.*'
duod. 166&
1 1871. July 12. With my wife, at Stanwardine.
1 accompanied them in killing a buck in their own park; ftur
from being taken with any great delight or pleasure in the
sport They sent part of him to Broad Oak. P. Henry. Diary,
Orig. MS.
m Baschorch.
B Tong's life of Blatt Henry, pp. 96, 37. «# npre.
o The following minutes are now curious:—
1671. August 14. Lodged this night at Wolverhampton.
15. To Bromicham: thence to Coventry.
16. To Daventry : thence to Stony Stratford. Ebenezer.
17. To Bamett.
la To London. The ways fair, and the weather tevonrable
beyond expectation. Spent by the way, self and hone, 20#. P.
Henry. Diary, Orig. BIS.
p See CoUins's Peerage, v. 2. p. 606^ and Reliq. Baxter, part. fii.
p. 96.
apt to make the eireumttaneet of our religious ser-
vices more Ihe matter of our discourse than the
tubttanee of them.
[At the latter end of the year 1671, he ventured
to London; and the following extracts from his
Diary, on that occasion, will not be uninteresting.
1671, August 13. Preached on Jacob's vow,
Genesis xxviii. 20, &c. with personal application,
saying,— 7/* God will be with me in this way thai I
ffo, then the Lord shall be my God.
14. I set forward ° towards London.
19. To Kensington.
22. Back to London again.
24. Solemn fast in remembrance of the sad day
of ministers' ejection, kept at the Countess of Exe-
ter's, P with some measure of holy meltings and en-
largements. Dr. Jacomb,*! Mr. Steel,' Mr. Mayo,*
Mr. Bull,' Mr. Poole," prayed and preached alter*
natim. Texts, Psalm li. 4 ; xxxix. 9.
27. Preached at Mr. Doolittel's meeting place.*
Text, Matthew xxv. 29.-7(9 him that hath, &c.
30. Preached at Mr. Steel's.^ Text, 1 Corin-
thians X. 12. in much distraction.
September 1. This evening I was ill.
2. Attempted to keep the annual fast, this day,
in remembrance of the dreadful fire of London, A.
D. 1666 ; but strength failed : to will was present,
to do was not. Thanks is also to be g^ven for the
strange and wonderful rebuilding of it in so short a
time ; which, but that my eyes saw, I could hardly
have believed. I had the sentence of death within
myself, and was, in some measure, willing to it, at
that time, and in that place, though a stranger,'
had God seen good ; but a reprieve came.
3. I should have preached and communicated
with Dr. Annesley,^ but prevented. Multa eadent
inter. Time was when I might, and did not ; now
I would, and might not.
7. To Islington, where was buried Mr. Burghess,'
a nonconformist minister of the west country : there
^ Dr. Thomas Jacomb was bora in 1632, and died 27 Mar. 1687.
See Wilson's Hist of Dissenting churches, ▼. 3. p. 13, fcc.
r See amttt P- 35.
« The Rev. Richard Mayo, an eminent nonconformist, was bora
about 1631 ; he died Sept. 8, 1606. See Wilson's Hist ▼. 3. p. 9.
t Rev. Daniel Bull. See Palmer's Noncon. Mem. v. 3. p. 458,
fcc. W n^rm,
n See aitUt p. 47.
▼ Whether then in MonkwelUstreet, or not, seena rather an.
certain. Query,— Was not Monkwell-street Meeting-house in the
possession of the Lord Mayor in 1671 1 See Wilson's Hist ▼. 3. pp.
193, 194. Mr. Doolittle was born at Kidderminster, A. D. 1030,
Hedied,May34,1707.a.
w His congregation met at Armourer's Hall, Coleoan^street
Wilson's Hist v. '2. p. 4&L
X See Lire oT Archbishop Leighton. Works, v. I. p. xli. oct.tSSO.
7 Dr. Samuel Annesley was bom A. D. 1690, and died Dec. 31,
1696. See Wilson's Hist. y. 1. pp. 365-370.
t It is probable that the rererence is to the Rev. John Burgesi.
M. A. See the Noncon. Mem. v. S. p. 3. «/ mpra : also, an extract
from a letter written by Mr. Henry to his wire relating to the
funeral of Mr. Burgess, fn the Univ. Thaol. Biag. voL & p. 184.
TH£ LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
73
were {Kretent one hundred or aixscore ministers ; and
I bless God that for one dead there were so many
lifing. Bat it grieyed me to see them diyided ;
part stayed the office for the dead, part going oat.
Here I saw Mr. Senior/ Mr. Bull, Mr. Rowles, for-
mer acquaintances.
10. A sabhatb spent with Mr. Doolittel. Text,
John yiii. 36. persnading sinners to be willing to be
made free.
11. I saw Dean Hodges,** persuading to conform,
but I dare not on such terms.
18. I reached home.
29. Day of family thanksgiving. The Lord
accept in Christ Jesus.^
The Tisit, and particularly the indisposition which
has been stated, gave rise to a letter which, viewed
as an illustration of character, is too interesting to
be entirely omitted. '* For Mr. Philip Henry, to
be left with Mr. Enock Darack, at the sine of the
Trumpet, within Aldersg^te, London,'
ft
My dear Husband ;
I received your last yesterday, and am
grieved to hear of your being ill. The children and
family are well, blessed be God, and myself as well
as I can be whilst in fear that you are ill. I have
given up all my interest in you to my heavenly
Father, and am labouring to be ready for evil
tidings, which, if it be, God knows how I shall bear
it I shall expect, between hope and fear, till to-
monow night, and, whatever the issue may be,
labour to justify God. Yet I hope to hear of your
coming, and when it will be, in your next. My
dear heart, the Lord be with you, and send us a
happy meeting ; so prayeth your
Faithful and loving Wife,
September 6, IG71. Katherine Henry.']
We shall close this chapter with two remarks out
of his Diary, in the year 1671, which will show what
manner of spirit he was of, and what were his senti-
ments of things at that time. One is this,— AH ac-
knowledge that there is at this day a number of
sober, peaceable men, both ministers and others,
among Dissenters ; but who either saith Or doth any
thing to oblige them ? Who desireth or endeavoureth
to open the door to let in such ? Nay ; do they not
rather provoke them to run into the same extrava-
gances with others, by making no difference, but
• The Rer. Hkmiibs Senior, B. D. was Fellow and Lecturer or
Trinity Cburcti, Cambridge. He was a Westminster Scholar.
NoneoD. Mem. ▼. I. p. ^S. ntnfra.
b Dean of Hereford, and fother of Dr. Natb. Hodges. He had
tbe Hving of Kensington, and was buried there Aug. 37, 1672.
LfRNM's EnF. of London, ▼. 3. p. 193L Dr. N. Hodges was one of
Mr. Henry's contemporaHes at Westminster and Oxford. See Mr.
Cbafanenrs Biog. Diet. toL is. p. 24.
• P. Henry. Diary. Orig. MS.
«Orig.MS.
« Tbe giaodiOB of tbe Tenerable John Dod, (see j»m/. p. 80»)
laying load on them as if they were as bad as the
worst? It is true that about this time the Lord
Keeper Bridgman, and Bishop Wilkins,* and the
Lord Chief Justice Hale,' were making some over-
tures towards an accommodation with them ; but it
is as true, that those overtures did but the more ex-
asperate their adversaries, who were ready to account
such moderate men the worst enemies the Church
of England had, and the event was, greater acts of
severity.
Another is this,~If all that hath been said and
written to prove that prelacy is anti-christian, and
that it is unlawful to join in the Common Prayer,
had been effectual to persuade bishops to study and
do the duty of church rulers, in preaching, and feed-
ing the flock, according to the word^ and to persuader
people to be serious, inward, and spiritual in the use
of forms, it had been much better with the church of
God in England, than it now is. Consonant to the
spirit of this remark, was that which he took all
occasions to mention as his settled principle.— In
those things wherein all the people of God are
agreed, I will spend my zeal; and wherein they
differ I will endeavour to walk according to the
light that God hath given me, and charitably believe
that others do so too.
CHAPTER VI.
HIS UBBBTT BT THB INDULOKNCB IN THB TBAft 1673, AKD
THBNCEFORWARD TU THB TBAR 1681.
Notwithstanding the severe act against conven-
ticles in the year 1670, yet the nonconformists in
London ventured to set up meetings in 1671, and
were connived at ; * but in the country (here was
little liberty taken, till the King's declaration of
March 15, 1671-2, gave countenance and encou-
ragement to it. What were the secret springs which
produced that declaration,'' time discovered ; how-
ever, it was to the poor dissenters as life from the
dead, and gave them some reviving in their bondage ;
God graciously ordering it so, that the spirit he had
made might not fail before him. But so precarious
a liberty was it, that it should never be said, those
people were hard to be pleased, who were so well
pleased with that, and thanked God, who put such
a thing into the King's heart. The tenor of that
declaration was this, — In consideration of the ineffi-
was bom in 1fil4 ; ob. 19 Nov. isrx Chalmers's Biog. Diet ▼. 32.
p. 74. &c. And see the Biog. Brit. v. L p. 637.
f Sir Matthew was bom Nov. 1. iaO0, and died 05 Dcc:i676. Sec
his Life and Works, 2 vols. oct. 1R05.
a 1671. Nov. 0. Five London ministers with the King; Dr.
Annesley, Mr. Watson, Mr. Whitaker, and the two VincenU} to
whom he said,- He was sensible of their straits, and would endea.
vour their enlargements. Amen. He said,>Ashe would not wlll-
ing>'y be persecuted himself Tor his own religion, so neither did he
like to penecute others for theirs. P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
b See it at length in Nears Hist. v. 4. p. 461, fcc. «/ wfta.
74
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
cacy of rigoar, tried for divers years, and to invite
strangers into Uie kingdom, ratifying the Establish-
ment in the Church of England, it suspends penal
laws against all nonconformists and recusants, pro-
miscth to license separate places for meetings, limit-
ing papists only to private houses.
On this Mr. Henry writes ; It is a thing diversely
resented, as men's interests lead them ; the con-
formists displeased, the presbyterians glad, the in-
dependents *" very glad, the papists triumph. The
danger is, saith he, lest the allowing of separate
places help to overthrow our parish-order, which
God hath owned, and to beget divisions and animo-
sities among us, which no honest heart but would
rather should be healed. We are put hereby, saith
he, into a trilemma, either to turn independents in
practice, or to strike in with the conformists, or to
sit down in former silence and sufferings, (and silence
he accounted one of the greatest sufferings,) till the
Lord shall open a more effectual door. That which,
he saith, he then heartily wished for, was,— That
those who were in place, would admit the sober
nonconformists to preach sometimes occasionally in
their pulpits; by which means he thought preju-
dices would in time wear off" on both sides, and they
might mutually strengthen each other's hands against
the common enemy, — the papists ;«* who he foresaw
would fish best in troubled waters. This he would
choose much rather than to keep a separate meeting.
But it could not be had. No, not so much as leave
to preach in Whitewell chapel when it was vacant,
as it often was, though it were three long miles from
the parish church. He found that some people, the
more they are courted, the more coy they are ; how-
ever, the overtures he made to this purpose, and the
slow steps he took towards the setting up of a dis-
tinct congregation, yielded him satisfaction after-
wards in the reflection, when he could say, — we
would have been united, and they would not.
It was several weeks after the declaration came
out, that he received a licence to preach, as Paul
did/ in his own house, and elsewhere, no man for-
bidding him. This was procured for him by some
of his friends in London, without his privity, and
came to him altogether unexpected.
[On the King's declaration, his papers contain
the following observations : —
All or most of the conformists have said they
could not deny us ministers, but not ministers of
the Church of England, without episcopal ordina-
tion.
By a minister of the Church of England can be
e In two things the independents are to be commended,— they
keep up discipline among them ; they love and correspond one
with another. P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
d In the debates on the Bill for unitiog His Majesty's Protestant
Subjects, Dec. 21, 1690, it was remarked, by a Member of the
lioi/Be of Commons, that the Oxford Act, and other laws against
£f/saeatcn, were much promiited by Sir ThonoB Clifford, Sir Solo-
meant no other than a minister of Christ authorized
to preach in the Church of England.
All the power' to be owned in bishops, is derived
to them from the King ; and, in those things where-
in the King hath power in church matters, in those
things we may obey the bishops, as his delegates and
substitutes.
In King James's time, when four Scotch presby-
ters were to be consecrated bishops at Lambeth, it
was moved that they might first be ordained pres-
byters again ; but it was overruled, being without
need.
In OUT case, the King immediately, without
bishops, which is the better, gives us liberty, being
already ministers of Christ, to preach in his do-
minions where he appoints.
The law calls the King patron-general of Eng-
land. His appointing me to preach, supposes I must
have hearers, and tliose, of necessity, out of some
parish or other. What we do is to serve the present
necessity, and not of choice.
There are many among us debarred by imposi-
tion from communicating with freedom in public in
the Lord's supper ; the King takes pity upon them^
authorizes one or another to give it in a way wherein
they are satisfied. And why not ? > ]
The use he made of it was, that at his own house,
what he did before to his own family, and in private,
the doors being shut for fear, he now did more pub-
licly ; threw his doors open, and welcomed his neigh-
bours to him, to partake of his spiritual things. Only
one sermon in the evening of the Lord's day, when
there was preaching at Whitewell chapel, where he
still continued his attendance with his family and
friends as usual ; but when there was not, he spent
the whole day, at public time, in the services of the
day, exposition of the Scriptures read, and preach-
ing, with prayer and praise. This he did gratis^
receiving nothing for his labours, either at home or
abroad, but the satisfaction of doing good to souls,
which was his meat and drink, with the trouble and
charge of giving entertainment to many of his friends,
which he did with much cheerfulness ; and he would
say, he sometimes thought that the bread did even
multiply in the breaking ; and he found that God
did abundantly bless his provision with that bless-
ing, which, as he used to say, will make a little to
go a gfreat way. He was wont to observe, for the
encouragement of such as had meetings in their
houses, which sometimes drew upon them inconve-
niences,— That the ark is a guest that always pays
well for its entertainment. And he noted, that when
mon Swale, and Sir Roger Strickland, who since all appeared to
be Papists. ColL of the Parliamentary Debates, from 166& ▼. L
p. 484. oct. 1741.
e See Acts xxi. 40.
f See Hooker's Eccl. Pol ^tnfm, B. VII. pp. II, \% dec.
% P. Henry. Orig. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
76
Cfariit hmd bonoiped Peter's boat to preach a sermon
oat of it, he presently repaid him for the loan, with
a $remi draught ofjuhes, Luke y. 3, 4.
Many thoughts of heart he had concerning this use
he made of the liberty, not knowing what would be in
the end hereof; but after serious consideration, and
Biany prayers, he saw his way very plain before him,
and addressed himself with all diligence to the im-
proTcment of this gale of opportunity.^ Some had
dismal apprehensions of the issue of it ; and that
tliere would be an after-reckoning. But, saith he,
let us mind our duty, and let God alone to order
events, which arc his work, not ours.
It was a word upon the wheels, which he preached
at that time for his own encouragement, and the en-
couragement of his friends, from that scripture,
Ecclesiastes xi. 4. He that observet the wind thall
not taw J mnd he that regardeth the clouds shall not
reap. Those that are minded either to do good, or
^ good, most not be frighted with seeming difficul-
ties and discouragements. Our work is to sow and
reap, to do good and get good ; and let us mind that,
and let who will mind the winds and clouds. A lion
in the way^ a lion in the streets ;' a very unlikely
place, he would say, for lions to be in ; and yet that
senres the slugged for an excuse.
[In one of his Diaries, in reference to this subject,
he thus writes: — I had occasion to discover ano-
ther of the sins which do so easily beset me, and
that is fearfalness. I am often afraid where no fear
is. Dr. Hammond observes, — In evil times it fares
best with them that are most careful about duty, and
least about safety.
To be afraid where no fear is, is sometimes the
sin of God's people, and oftentimes the punishment
of wicked men. Proverbs xxviii. l.*'
Thus diligently did he watch against evil, and
excite himself to activity in his Master's service.]
While this liberty lasted, he was in labours more
abundant; many lectures ho preached abroad in
Shropshire, Cheshire, and Denbighshire,' laying out
himself exceedingly for the good of souls, spending
and being spent in the work of the Lord. And of
that neighbourhood and of that time it was said, that
this and that man was bom again, then and there ;
and many there were who asked the way to Sion,
with their face thitherwards, and were (not prose-
lyted to a party, but) savingly brought homo to Jesus
h Opportuoity is the flower and crram ortime. All opportunity
b time, bat all time is not opportunity. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
See tbc *' Gale of Opportunity ;" a Sermon, preached at Lidbury
North, at the Funeral or the Worehipful Humphrey Walcut. or
Walcot, Esq. June S. 1650; by Thomas Froysell, Minister of the
Gospel at Clan, in Shropshire, duod. 1658.
i See the outlines of a Sermon by Mr. P. Henry on this passage,
in the Evan. Mag. v. zxii. p. 512.
k Ong^MS.
I Particularly Wrexham. In 1672 he has recorded a circum-
stance, which, while locally interesting, is illustrative or his own
character, and (kaught with ioatruction :~I said to Mn. Figes, in
Christ. I mean this ; such as had been vain, and
worldly, and careless, and mindless of God and
another world, became sober, and serious, and
concerned about their souls, and a future state.
This was the conversion of souls, aimed at, and
laboured after, and through grace not altogether in
vain.
Whatever lectures were set up in the country
round, it was still desired that Mr. Henry would
begin them, (which was thought no small encourage*
ment to those who were to carry them on,) and very
happy he was, both in the choice and management
of his subjects at such opportunities, seeking to find
out acceptable words. Take one specimen of his
address, when he began a lecture with a sermon on
Hebrews xii. 15. I assure you, saith he; and God
is my witness, I am not come to preach, either sedi-
tion against the peace of the state, or schism against
the peace of the church, by persuading you to this
or that opinion or party ; but as a minister of Christ,
that hath received mercy from the Lord, to desire to
be faithful, my errand is to exhort you to all possible
seriousness in the great business of your eternal
salvation, according to my text, which if the Lord
will make as profitable to you, as it is material and
of weight in itself, neither you nor I shall have cause
to repent our coming hither, and our being here to-
day ; looking diligently, lest any of you fail of the
g^ace of God. If it were the last sermon I were to
preach, I did not know how to take my aim better
to do you good."
In doing of this work, he often said, that he looked
upon himself but as an assistant to the parish
ministers, in promoting the common interests of
Christ's kingdom, and the common salvation of pre-
cious souls, by the explication and application of
those great truths, wherein we are all agreed. And
he would compare the case to that in Hezekiah's
time, when the Levites helped the priests to kill the
sacrifice, which was something of an irregularity,
but the exigence of affairs called for it ; the priests
being too few, and some of them not so careful as
they should have been to sanctify themselves ; (see
2 Chronicles xxix. 34.) and wherever he preached,
he usually prayed for the parish minister, and for
a blessing upon his ministry. He hath often said
how well pleased he was, when, after be had preached
a lecture at Oswestry, he went to visit the minister
my own house, speaking of the odbnce taken at the meeting-place
in Wrexham being a bam, that,— wheat in a bam is better than
chaflTin a church. Her brother. Stephen Morhal, hearing it, told
some, who told others, and it reached Dr. Fowler, who, a sabbath
or two after, look notice of it in the pulpit, and said,—" There
are some who, in the abundance of their humility, have said,
lately, that there is nothing but chaflT in churches; whereas chaff
is rather to be looked for in bams,"— or, to that purpose. Where-
by, I sec how words, innocently spoken, may be perverted ; but
I, as a deaf man, heard not ; for, 1 said, Lotd, tbou\^«U«^. V .>\^T£rs .
Diary, Orig. MS.
m Appendix, No. XV.
76
THE LIFE OF MR. PmLIP HENRY.
of the place, Mr. Edwards^'* a worthy good man,
and told him, he had been sowing a handful of seed
among his people, and had this answer,^That's well,
the Lord prosper your seed and mine too, there is
need enough of us both. And another worthy con-
formist that came privately to hear him, but was re-
primanded for it by his superiors, told him after-
wards with tears, that his heart was with him.
His heart was wonderfuUy enlarged in his work
at this time,' the fields were white unto the harvest;
and he was busy, and God did remarkably own him,
setting many seals to his ministry, which much con-
firmed him in what he did. He hath this observable
passage in his Diary, about this time, which he
recorded for his after benefit, and the example of it
may be instructive. — Remember that if trouble should
come hereafter, for what we do now in the use of
present liberty, I neither shrink from it, nor sink
under it ; for I do therein approve myself to God,
and to my own conscience, in truth and uprightness ;
and the Lord whom I serve, can and will certainly
both bear me out, and bring me off" with comfort in
the end. I say. Remember, and forget it not, this
24th day of March, 1672-3.
It was at the beginning of this liberty, that the
society at Broad Oak did commence; made up,
besides their neighbourhood, of some out of Whit-
church, and Whitchurch parish, that had been Mr.
Porter's people, some out of Hanmer parish, that
had been Mr. Steel's, and some out of the parishes
of Wem, Prees, and Ellesmere. Persons generally
of very moderate and sober principles, quiet and
peaceable lives, and hearty well-wishers to the king
and government ; and not rigid or schismatical in
their separation, but willing to attend, though some-
times with difficulty and hazard, upon those admi-
nistrations which they found most lively and edify-
ing, and most helpful to them, in the great business
of working out their salvation. To this society he
would never call himself a pastor, nor was he willing
that they should call him so ; but a helper, and a
minister of Christ for their good. He would say, —
That he looked upon his family only as his charge,
and his preaching to others was but accidental,
whom if they came, he could no more turn away,
than he could a poor hungry man, that should come
to his door for an alms. And being a minister of
Jesus Christ, he thought himself bound to preach
the gospel, as he had opportunity.
[His epistolary communications, as well as his
public preaching, bore upon this object, as is mani-
B Ejected from ChrisUeton, in Cheshire. He afterward* con<
formed. See the Noncon. Mem. ▼. 1. p. 346. «/ tupra.
o There dwelled in his parish a tanner, a very godly man, and
one that had much comroanion with my father. This man, as he
was very busie tawing or a hide with all his might, (not so much
as turning aside his head any way.) my father, coming by acci-
dentally, came behind him, and merrily gave him a little clap upon
the back; be started; and, looking behind bim suddenly, blushed.
fest from the following letter ; which also corrobo-
rates the testimony borne of him as to the poor.
The souls of such, he would say, are as precious as
the souls of the rich.
To John Beard and Jane Comberbach,
Loving Friends ;
Though the superscription be only to one of you,
yet the letter is intended to you both. God having
in his providence cast your lot to be fellow-servants
in th^ same family. I hope you are, according to
your opportunities, mutually helpful to each other
in your way to heaven ; it is a narrow way, and an
up-hill way, but it is the way to life, and few find
it, and fewer walk in it ; if God hath given you to
be of those few, he hath done that for you which
should for ever engage your hearts to him, and for
which you have gn*eat cause to be thankful, and to
say with Judas, not Iscariot, John xiv. 22. Lord,
how is it ! — I doubt not but your hands are full of
the employments of your particular calling, and it
ought to be 80,° in obedience to the will of God
appointing you to it, and that the tempter may find
you busy ; but it is a good question you should be
often putting to yourselves, — Where is the mind
now ? They only are too busy that lose God in their
business, if you abide with him, and walk with him,
and live to him, doing what you do in his name and
fear, and as in his sight, not with eye-terviee m .
men-pleaters, but in singleness of heart as to the Lord^
you may be assured you are, in Jesus Christ,
accepted of him, and shall as certainly receive the
reward of the inheritance, as any other in the world;
wherefore Encourage yourselves and one another
with these words. Let the things of the other world
be real things in your account and esteem; see
heaven and hell before you, and believe every
thought, word, and work, nowy is so much seed sown
that, according as it is, will be sure to come up
again, either in corruption, or in life etefnal. I
know not how it is with you at present, as to your
liberties for worship, but you had a day of it ; and,
were you diligent? Have you provided meat in
summer ? Did you gather food in harvest ? If aye,
bless God ; if no, reflect with grief and shame, and
make peace, and tip yet, and be doing ;^ it is no =
small measure of guilt that rises from our neglect <
of opportunities when God puts them as a price (
into our hand. I am glad to hear that you, Jane, -
have been in fellowship at the table of the Lord ; ;
— " Sir," saith he, '* I am ashamed you should find me thus.** To
whom my father said again,—" Let Christ, when he comes, find
me so doing!" " What," says the man, '• doing thus?"— •• Yei,"
saith my father to him. " faithful in the duties of my calling.**
The Tomb-stone, or. a broken and imperfect Monument, of thst
worthy Man, the Rev. John Carter, p. 15. duod. 163a
p See I Chron. xxii. v. 16. A valuable note upon the phnae
occurs in Mr. Dibdin's Akles Altborp. v. 1. p. ix.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
77
remember the tows of God that are upon you, and
also the coYenant of God there sealed with you, the
former for yonr establishment, the latter for your
eooafort. And I hope that you, John, either have
already or will speedily apply yourself to it, con-
sidering it is not privilege only, — if so, it were ano-
ther matter,— but duty, and while you live without
it, having opportunity for it, let the pretence be
that it will, — awe and reverence towards it, sense
»f your own unworthiness, or whatever else,— you
fve in a sin of omission, and that of a known duty,
I gieat doty, a sweet duty, made so by the command
•f a dear and dying Redeemer, saying,— />o this,
md, — do it in remembrance of me. We commend
lor love to you both. God everlasting be your Sun
ind Shield, Father and Friend, Part and Portion.
Amen !
So prays.
Broad Oak, Flint, Yours, in true affection,
March 24, 1074-5. Philip Henry.
For John Beard,
At Mr. Bray's House,
In Worcester .'»]
Usually once a month he administered the ordi-
nance of the Lord's supper. Some of his oppor-
tunities of that kind he sets a particular remark
upon, as sweet sealing days, on which he found it
good to draw near to God.
When, about the year's end, there was a general
expectation of the cancelling of the indulgence, he
hath this note upon a precious sabbath and sacra-
ment day, as he calls it ;— '^ Perhaps this may be the
last ; Fmtker, thy will he done ; it is good for us to
k at such uncertainties ; for now we receive our
liberty from our Father fresh every day, which is
l)est and sweetest of all."
[In the spring and summer of 1673, he preached
orer at Broad Oak, the parable of the Prodigal Son,
in about forty sermons, in which it pleased the Lord
vonderfully to assist and succeed him. Many who
sot good to their souls by those sermons, earnestly
desired the publishing of them, and he was almost
persuaded ; but his modesty proved invincible, and
it was never done.
He preached over the several articles of the new
eovenant, Hebrews viii. 10, &c. in the year 1674.
When an end was put to that gleam of liberty,
which had continned about three years, he viras
pleaching upon the parable of the barren fig-tree,
Luke xiii. 6, &c. These three years do I come seeh-
ing fruii, and observed how the word of God was
foUUIed,— though not out down, yet cut short,— >in
opportanities.
Ufe.0rig.lf5. mi
However, after a year or two, there was such a
general connivance of authority, that the meetings
grew again as full as ever, especially at Broad Oak ;
the neighbouring magistrates of Flintshire being
very civil, and not willing to give trouble to one
who was so very peaceable and obliging, — for which
he would often give thanks to God, who hath the
hearts of all men in his hands.^]
On the 3rd of March, 1676-7, being Saturday night,
the town of Wem, in Shropshire, about six miles
from him, was burnt down,* the church, market
house, and about one hundred and twenty-six dwell-
ing houses, and one man, in little more than an
bourns time, the wind being exceeding violent ; at
which time Mr. Henry was very helpful to his
friends there, both for their support under, and their
improvement of, this sad providence. It was but
about half a year before, that a threatening fire had
broke out in that town, but did little hurt; some
serious people there presently after celebrated a
thanksgiving for their deliverance, in which Mr.
Henry imparted to them a spiritual g^ft, October 3,
1676, from Zechariah iii. 2. Is not this a brand plueh-
ed out of the fire ? In the close of that sermon,
pressing them, from the consideration of that re-
markable deliverance, to personal reformation and
amendment of life ; that those who had been proud,
covetous, passionate, liars, swearers, drunkards,
sabbath-breakers, would be so no more ; and urging
Ezra ix. 13, 14. he added, — If this providence have
not this effect upon you, you may in reason expect
another fire ; for when God judgeth, he will over-
come ; and minded them of Leviticus xxvi. where
it is so often threatened against those who walk con-
trary to God, that he would punish them yet seven
times more. The remembrance of this could not but
be affecting, when, in so short a time after, the whole
town was laid in ruins. The first time he went
thither after that calamity, a neighbouring justice,
having notice of it, sent to forbid him to preach, to
his own grief, as well as to the grief of many
others, who came expecting. But, saith he in his
Diary, there was a visible sermon before us, the
ruins preaching, that sin is an evil thing, and God
a terrible God. However, a few days after he got
an opportunity of preaching to them a word in
season, which some will not forget, from Hosea vi.
l.-^Come, and let us return unto the Lord, for he
hath torn ■ ■ . And, at the return of the year,
when the town was in the re-building, he gave them
another very suitable sermon, from Proverbs iii.
33. The curse of the Lordis in the house of the wiched,
but he hlesseth the habitation of the just. Though it
be rising again, saith he in his Diary, out of its
ashes, yet the burning of it should not be forgotten,
• ^ee tbe History of Wem, by the Rev. S. Garbet, A. M. p. 283,
I fcc. Oct ISia
78
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
especially not the sin that kindled it. He often
prayed for them, that the fire might be a refining fire.
In the years 1677, 1678, and 1679, in the course
of his ministry at Broad Oak, he preached over the
Ten Commandments, and largely opened from other
texts of Scripture, the duties required, and sins
forbidden, in each commandment. For though
none delighted more than he in preaching Christ
and gospel-grace ; yet he knew that Christ came
not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to
fulfil ; and that though, through grace, we are
not under the law as a covenant, yet we are under
it as a rule; under the law to Christ. He was
very large and particular in pressing second-table
duties, as essential to Christianity. We have known
those, saith he, that have called preaching on
such subjects, good moral preaching ; but let them
call it as they will, I am sure it is necessary, and
as much now as ever. How earnestly would he
press upon the people the necessity of righteousness
and honesty in their whole conversation. A good
Christian, he used to say, will be a good husband, a
good father, and a good master, and a good subject,
and a good neighbour, and so in other relations.
How often would he urge to this purpose, that it is
the will and command of the great God, the charac-
ter of all the citizens of Sion, the beauty and orna-
ment of our Christian profession ; and the surest
way to thrive and prosper in the world. Honesty is
the best policy. He would say, that these are things
in which the children of this world are competent
judges. They that know not what belongs to faith,
and repentance and prayer, yet know what belongs
to the making of an honest bargain ; they are also
parties concerned, and oftentimes are themselves
careful in these things ; and, therefore, those who
profess religion, should walk very circumspectly,
that the name of God and his doctrine be not blas-
phemed, nor religion wounded through their sides.
[How sensible he was of the dislike frequently
felt to practical preaching, as well as of the import-
ance of such preaching, appears in the following
extract Having explained, in a course of sermons,
the Redeemer's sayings, as recorded in the fifth,
sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew's Gospel,
he pressed, in his last discourse, the importance, the
necessity, oi doing y as well as hearing, from the divine
assurance, — that a stormy day is coming shortly,
when hearers only will be found fools, and suffer
loss ; whereas hearers and doers will be owned for
wise people, and will have the comfort of it. What
ado, he remarks, some one will object, is here
t Sincerity is all in all. It is all in all our prayers ; all in all oar
tears; all in all our services. It is all to Go<l,~that which God
accounts all. Sincerity is gospel perfection. The Dead Saint
speaking to Saints and Sinners living, by Samuel Bolton, D. D. p.
298. fol. 1657.
« P. Henrj. Orig. MS. *
•- l/e that backbites with bis toague wovnds four At once ; he
about doing ; doing ! If I had preached, he pro-
ceeds, these sermons, I know where, I ,had cer-
tainly been called a legal preacher, if not a papist,
a Jesuit, a preacher of works ; and some would have
said, we will never hear him again. If to preach
on these things be legal preaching, then our Lord
himself was a legal preacher, for you see they were
hit sayings all along that I took for my text to each
sermon. Such a preacher as he was, may I be, in
my poor measure. I cannot write after a better
copy. I cannot tread in better steps. His sayings
must be done, as well as heard, that we may answer
his end in saying them, which was to promote holi-
ness,— that we may approve ourselves his true kin-
dred,~that God may be gIorified,-^that our profes-
sion may be beautified, — and that our building may
stand. But they must be done aright. The tree
must be good. All must be done by faith, and in
the name of the Lord Jesus. Hebrews xi. 6. Colos-
sians iii. 17. — ^with evenness and constancy, — with
humility and 8elf-denial,-~in charity, — and with
perseverance, and continuance.
Do all you do as those who are under a covenant
of grace, which, though it requires perfect, yet ac-
cepts of sincere, obedience.^ While the hand is
doing, let the eye be looking at Jesus Christ, both
for assistance and acceptance. This is the life of
faith. Be resolved in duty. Look often at the re-
compence of reward. ■
Thus he preached, and his constant practice was
a comment upon it. One thing I remember, he was
more than ordinarily enlarged in the pressing of,
which was, — ^uponthe ninth commandment, — to speak
evil of no man, from Titus iii. 2. If we can say no
good of persons, we must say nothing of them. He
gave it as a rule. — Never to speak of any one's faults
to others, till we have first spoken of them to the
offender himself. He was himself an eminent ex<-
ample of this rule. Some that have conversed much
with him, have said. That they never heard him
speak evil of any body ; nor could he bear to hear
any spoken evil of, but often drove away a back-
biting tongue with an angry countenance.'' He
was known to be as faithful a patron of offenders
before others, as he was a faithful reprover of them
to themselves.
Whenever he preached of moral duties, he would
always have something of Christ in his sermon ;
either his life, as the great pattern of the duty, or
his love, as the great motive to it ; or his merit, as
making atonement for the neglect of it.
[Thus, in pressing moral duties, he observed that,
wounds the good name of his neighbour, which is dearer to him
than the apple or his eye ; he wounds the name of God, religion
suffers, when tliose who profess it thus backbite each other ; he
wounds his own soul, brings the guilt of a great sin upon his own
soul, which he must certainly answer for ; he wounds love in him
that hears it, so that the esteem of his brother is lessened.^ P.
Henry. Mrs. Savage^sBIS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
m
.To an acceptable act of obedience, it is necessary
lat the principle be right, which is a habit of true
race in the heart. There must also be a knowledge
r, and respect to, the will of God, as well as free-
9m, cheerfulness, and delight in doing it, in oppo-
tion to forced obedience. We are not to be haled
) duty as a bear to a stake ; but we are to do it
>lnntarily and pleasantly. There must also be
ith * in Jesus Christ, both for strength to do, and
r acceptance when we have done. And, withal,
single eye to God's glory.*
With a view to chronological arrangement, the
irrative may be here interrupted by the introduo-
»n of the following epistle.
I have lately met, remarks Mr. Henry's biographer,
ith a letter of his to a couple related to him, who,
I a Tery short time, had buried all their children
!* the small-pox to their great grief ; it was in the
^ar 1679. What comfort and counsels he adminis-
led to them, may be of use to others in their afflic-
ons, and, therefore, I shall .transcribe the whole
tter, though it be long.
Dear Cousins ;
This is to you both, whom God hath made one in
le conjugal relation, and who are also one in the
resent aflliction ; only to signify to you that we do
eartily sympathize with you in it. The trial is, in-
eed, sharp, and there will be need of all the wisdom
nd grace you have, and of all the help of friends
9n can get, both to bear, and to improve, it aright.
on must bear it with silence and submission. Surety
is meet to be taid unto God, I have borne chastise-
eui. He is Sovereign Lord of all, and may do with
s, and ours, as pleaseth him. It is not for the clay to
aannel with the potter. It was a mercy you had chil-
ren, and comfort with them so long ; it is a mercy
tal yet you have one another,' and your children are
(rt lost, but gone before, a little before, whither you
Minelves are hastening after. And if a storm be
ming, (as God grant it be not,) it is best with
lem that first put into the harbour. Your children
re taken away from the evil to come, and you must
It moum as they that have no hope. Sensible you
innot but be, but dejected and sullen you must
It be ; that will but put more bitterness into the
ip/ and make way for another, perhaps a sharper,
loke. You must not think, and I hope yon do not,
lat there cannot be a sharper stroke ; for God hath
lany arrows in his quiver ; he can heat the furnace
w Look, what oyle is to the wheels, what weights are to the
odt, wtiat wiDp are to the bird, what saSls are to the ship,—
at/mtk U to an religious duties and services. HeaTen on Earth,
r Tbomas Brooks, duod. 16&7. p. 342.
« P. Henry. Orig. lf&
f V God should have riven the tree asunder, I meane, severed
m one IhMi another, it must have been taken thankAiUy ; but,
och more, when be leaveth the tree, and taketh but the fhiit
tyacs's Ctviillaii Lettert, ut iwpra, p. 137.
seven times hotter, and again, and ag^in, seven
times hotter, till he hath consumed us ; and if he
should do so, yet still we must say, he hath punished
us less than our iniquities have deserved. For exam-
ples of patience in the like kind, we have twoeminent
ones in the book of God, those are Job and Aaron ; of
the latter it is said, Leviticus x. 3. He held his peace ;
and that which quieted him, was what his brother
Moses said to him,— TAt^ is that which the Lord hath
said, I will be sanctified ; and if God be sanctified,
Aaron is satisfied ; if God have glory from it, Aaron
hath nothing to say against it. Of the former it is
said. Job i. 20, he fell down, but it was to worship ;
and we are told how he expressed himself, The Lord
gave, Sfc. He acknowledgeth God in all : and, in-
deed, after all, this is it (my dear cousins) that you
must satisfy yourselves with under the sad provi-
dence, that the Lord hath done it, and the same will
that ordered the thing itself' ordered all the circum-
stances of it ; and who are we that we should dis-
pute with our Maker? Let the potsherds strive with
the potsherds of the earth, but let not the thing form"
ed say to him that formed it, — Why hast thou made
me thus ? And as for the improvement of this afilic^
tion, (which, I hope, both of you earnestly desire,
for it is a great loss to lose such a providence, and
not to be made better by it,) I conceive there are
four lessons which it should teach you ; and they
are good lessons, and should be well learned, for the
advantage of them is unspeakable. 1. It should for
ever imbitter sin to you ; you know what she said to
the prophet, 1 Kings xvii. 18. Art thou come to call
my sins to remembrance, and to slay my son ? It is
sin, sin that is the old kill-friend, the Jonah that hath
raised this storm, the Achan that hath troubled your
house ; then how should you grow in your hatred of
it, and endeavours against it, that you may be the
death of that which hath been the death of your dear
children ? I say the death of it, for nothing less will
satisfy the true penitent, than the death of such a
malefactor. 2. It should be a spur * to you, to put
you on in heaven's way ; it may be you were growing
amiss in duty, beginning to slack your former pace
in religion, and your heavenly Father saw it, and
was grieved at it, and sent this sad providence to be
your monitor, to tell you, you should remember
whence you are fallen, and do your first works, and
be more humble, and holy, and heavenly, self-deny-
ing, and watchful, abounding always in the work of
the Lord. Oh, blessed are they that come out of
I The will of God's purpose is the rule or all his actions; the
will of his precept is the rule of all our acUons. P. Henry.
Orig.MS.
a Therefore, sickness, weepings, sorrow, mourning, and, in con.
elusion, all adveisities, be unto us as ipmrM ; with the which, we
being dull horses, or, rather, very asses, are forced not to remain
long in this transitory way. A Meditation toucbitk% K^'^txAX^^
made by Lady Mary's Gtace, \54a. S\iypt*% lSj«ift\. >^wBuN . "i. ^.
552. oct ed. 1822.
%0
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
sucb a faraace thus refined ; they will say hereafter,
it was a happy day for them that ever they were put
in. 3. You must learn by it, as long^ as you live, io
keep your affections in due bounds towards creature-
comforts. How hard is it to love, and not to over
love ; to delight in children, or yoke-fellows, and
not over delight; now God is a jealous God, and
will not give his glory to any other ; and our access
this way doth often provoke him to remove that
mercy from us, which we do thus make an idol of ;
and our duty is to labour, when he doth so, to get that
matter amended, and to rejoice in all our enjoyments
with trembling, and as if we rejoiced not. 4. It
should be a means of drawing your hearts and
thoughts more upwards and homewards ; 1 mean your
everlasting home. You should be looking oftener now
than before into the other world. / shall go to him,
saith David, when his little son was gone before. It
is yet but a little while ere all the things of time
shall be swallowed up in eternity. And the matter
is not gpreat whether we or ours die first, while we
are all dying ; in the midst of life we are in death :—
What manner of persons then ought we to be !^ Now
our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our
Father, be your support under, and do you good by,
this dispensation, and give yon a name better than
that of sons and daughters. We are daily mindful
of you at the throne of g^race, in our poor measure,
and dearly recommended to you, &c.^
In answer to the inquiry,— How are we to glorify
God in our afflictions ? he replied, Own and ac-
knowledge sin to be tlie cause, and give glory to
God. Own him as the author of your sufferings ;
acknowledge the mercies left, with all thankfulness.
See what has been amiss, and when you have found
it, turn again unto the Lord.^ Glorify him by
patience, and quietness, and cheerful submission
unto his will— Ply the throne of grace. Believe,
and wait for a good issue. Hold fast your in-
tegrity.*
On another occasion it being asked,— When are
we inordinately dejected and disquieted under
afflicting providences? he answered, — ^When we
grieve beyond the nature of the thing for which we
grieve. When we are wearied and faint in our
b 2 Peter iii. IL It it a word of admiration.— What manDer of
holiDeas should we \ue,— looking /or Mdkasttmiig mttto tho eoming of
iki dag of th§ Lord ; that is, despatching and doing all for our lives
against that day. Our lives should, as it were, be in a hurry after
the day of judgment, as those that are to remove at quarter day,
they hasten to do all against the time. Dr. Goodwin. Works, v. 5.
30. fol. 1704.
e Transposed firom p. 177. Life. 3d. edit
« Get repentance by an affliction, and then you may look on
It as traffic, and not as a trouble, like a merchant's voyage, which
hath pain in the way, but treasure in the end. No afflictions can
hurt him that is penitent Bishop Reynolds on Hosea. Works,
p. 732. ut njna.
* P. Henry, from Mr& Savage's MS.
r/b/d.
minds. When we grieve as those that have no hope.
When we are unfitted for the duties of our calling.
When we are hindered from worshipping and rejoic-
ing in God. When our grief exceeds bounds, — in
continuing too long. 1 Samuel xvi. 1.^
In the year 1680 he preached over the doctrines
of faith and repentance from several texts of Scrip-
ture. He used to say, that he had been told con-
cerning the famous Mr. Dod,^ that some called him
in scorn, faith and repentance ; because he insisted
so much upon those two,** in all his preaching.
But, saith he, if this be to be vile, I will be yet
more vile ; for faith and repentance are all in all in
Christianity.
[Illustrating the nature of faith, he would observe
that, — ^We must take hold of Christ, as a man that
is sinking in deep waters takes hold of a bough, or
cord, or plank. We must see him to be the only
way, and rest on him accordingly. We must see
ourselves pursued by the justice of God, and sec
him to be the only altar. As the guilty malefactor
took hold of the city of refuge. As a besieged gar-
rison takes hold of terms when offered. As a man
takes hold of an arm that is going to strike him,
so must we resort to and accept of Christ. Plainly
thus ; there are three things in believing, — The sight
and sense of our sin and misery,~Assent to the
testimony given in the word concerning Christ, be-
lieving that though I am a great sinner, yet he is a
great Saviour,~Application of him to ourselves,
consenting to take him to be ours, and we to be
his,— -to be ruled by him, and saved by him.*]
Concerning repentance he hath sometimes said,
If I were to die in the pulpit, I would desire to die
preaching repentance ; as if I die out of the pulpit, I
would desire to die practising repentance : And he
had often this saying concerning repentance. He that
repents every day, for the sins of every day,* when
he comes to die, will have the sins but of one day to
repent of.* Even reckonings make long friends.
[Speaking of Luke xxii. 62. concerning Peter, he
would say, — Peter's sin is recorded for our admo-
nition, his repentance for our imitation.*"]
[On this Christian duty he further remarks. It is
not required to make us precious to Christ, but to
make Christ precious to us, and when it does that,
ff Nat. 1540. Ob. 1645. et. 96. Ctaric*s LiTes, annexed to his
Martyrologie. p. 166, kc. ut ntpra.
h Mr. Hieron, noticing his own preaching, thus expressed him-
self. *' I have but two things to teach ; faith towards Ood, and a
holy life. In one of these two I must still insist." Woits. p.
333. foL 16M.
i From Mrs. Savage's MS.
k The dailiness of sin must be bewailed with the dailinea of
sorrow. Bishop Taylor. Cited in his Life prefixed to Bishop
Heber's edition of his Works p. clvii. «/ $uprm.
1 Sayth Seint Augustine, penance of good and humble folk
si the penance of every day. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales^
by T. Tyrwhitt, Esq. vol. a. p. 383. 4to. 179& The Personcs
Tale.
n Diary, Orlg. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
81
then are we hnmbled to divine acceptation, though
not to divine satisfaction. Sorrow is sin's echo, but
as the echo answers the voice best where there are
broken walls and ruined buildings to return it, so
does sorrow when reverberated by a broken ruined
heart. That eye weeps most which looks oftenest
on the Sun of Righteousness." Thongh we cannot
wash in innocency, yet we must wash in penitency.^
The ingredients of true repentance are, — hearty
sorrow, particular confession, faith in Christ, and
general amendment^ When we set our sins before
our faces in repentance and confession, God casts
them behind his back in pardon and remission ; but
if we carelessly cast them behind our back, God
justly sets them before his face.^i]
That year also, and the year 1681, he preached
over the duties of hearing the word and prayer ; of
the former, from the parable of the four sorts of
gronnd ; of the latter, from Luke xi. 1, &c. when he
preached over the Lord's Prayer in aboTC thirty
excellent and elaborate discourses. He looked
«pon the Lord's Prayer to be not only a directory or
pattern' for prayer, but, according to the advice of
the Assembly of Divines, proper to be used as a
form f and, accordingly, he often used it both in
public and in his family. And as he thought it
was an error on the one hand to lay so much stress
upon it as some do, who think no solemn prayer
accepted, nor any solemn ordinance or administra-
tion of worship complete, without it, and so repeat it
five or six times, and perhaps oftener, at one meeting ;
so he thought it an error on the other hand not to use
it at all ; since it is a prayer, a compendious, com-
prehensive prayer, and may be of use to us, at least
as other'^ripture prayers ; but he thought it a much
greater error to be angry at those who do use it, to
judge and censure them, and for no other reason to
conceive prejudices against them and their ministry.
A great strait, saith he^ poor ministers are in, when
some will not hear them, if they do not use the
Lord's Prayer, and others will not hear them if they
do.' What is to be done in this case? We must
walk according to the light we have, and approve
ourselves to God, either in using or not using it,
and wait for the day when God will end the matter ;
which I hope he will do in his own due time.
He vras in the close of his exposition of the
Lord's Prayer, when a dark cloud was brought upon
B P. Henry. Com. PI. Book. Orig. MS.
• P. Henty. Mem. of Mrs. Savage, uinpra. p. 317.
P P. Henry. Orig. MS.
^ P. Henry. Life of Lieut IlUdge. by Matt. Henry. Misc. Works,
vid. p0$L
T See '* A Guide to goe to God, or an explanation of the perfect
Pattemc of Prayer, the Lord's Prayer," by [Dr.] W. Gouge. 4to.
1«36.
■ See the Larger Catechism argued upon by the Assembly of
Divines. 4to. 187. And their Directory Tor public worship, ed.
1793. p. 539.
t See Letters to and from Dr. Doddridge, published by Mr. Sted- I
o
his assemblies, and he was necessitated to contract
his sails.
[In the year 1G80, his son and biographer, Mr.
Matthew Henry, having nearly completed his
eighteenth year, was conducted to London, together
with his relation and friend, Mr. Robert Bosier, and
placed under the care of that '* holy, faithful
minister, Mr. Thomas Doolittle, who then lived at
Islington.''" This event gave rise to the following
letters :
From the Rev, Philip Henry, to Mr, Matthew Henry,
My Dear Child ;
Your letter to me I received, and your mother
also hers. In the former, an account of your being
busy, at which we were glad ; in the latter, of your
being not well, and that troubles us ; but we are in
hope, that this night's post will bring us better
tidings. However, we desire to acquiesce in the
will of God, in whose hand our timet are, and at
whose disposal are all our ways ; who doth always
that which is just and righteous, always that which
is best to those who love him. I am at Boreatton,
where I expected your mother this morning, as we
appointed, but, instead of coming herself, she sends
Roger with your two letters, and her desire to me to
answer them from hence by way of Shrewsbury.
They are all well, blessed be God, both there and
here. My Lord Paget intended to have gone from
hence to-morrow, which hastened me hither a week
sooner than I expected, and caused a failure at home
yesterday, no chapel-day ; but his stay, now, is till
next week. I am comforted, that you acknowledge
God in your distemper, and are prepared to receive,
with patience, what he appoints. The two last sub-
jects we were upon when you left Broad Oak, — faith
and repentance,— I hope were made profitable to
you. He that truly repents of sin, and truly believes
in the Lord Jesus Christ, nothing can come amiss to
him ; things present are his, things to come are his ;
life, death ; this world, and the other world. Though
you are at a distance from us, you are near to him,
who, according to his promise, is a present help, to
those that fear him, in every time of need. Our poor
prayers for you, you may be sure, are not, shall not,
be wanting,— that, if the Lord please, you may have
health to ply the work you came about, that you
man. pp, 14. 15. and Dr. Doddridge's Exposition on Luke xi. 1, 13.
n.d.
« Life of Matt Henry, p. 2S. «/ npra. Itmay be thought, indeedt
that he who taught his daughter Hebrew at seven years of age, had
little occasion to send his son from under the paternal roof, in
order to prepare him for the church; but Philip Henry was • pub-
lic spirited man, and he found that bis (Vequent labours in the
ministry were incompatible with the constant attentions whicn
education indispensably requires. Hist of Dissenters, v. 2. p. 291.
A list of Mr. Doolittle's pupiht may be seen inDT.TQM\TSiLVcC%>\\LV
torical View.p. 584.
?2
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
may serve the will of God in your generation ; if
otherwise, that you may be satisfied in what he doth ;
and so we, by his grace, shall endeavour to be also.
Commend us to Mr. Doolittel, and his wife, whose
tender love to you, and care concerning you, we
shall always acknowledge with all thankfulness;
also to Cousin Robert,"" who, I know, will help to
bear your burthen. The Lord Almighty bless yon,
my dear child, and cause his face to shine upon you,
and send us good news in your next concerning you.
Amen. This, from
Your loving father,
Aug. 16, 1680. P. H.'
From the Rev, Philip Henry , to Mr, Robert Rosier,
August 28, 1680.
Dear Cousin ;
I received yours, of August 24 ; the former part
whereof, which was concerning yourself, gave cause
for a great deal of joy and thankfulness to our good
God, that you are so well pleased in your present
circumstances of improvement ; and, I hope, will
be so more and more. I like it well, that you are
put upon the exercise of your gifts, which is the
ready way to increase, and add to them ; for, to him
that hath, shall be given, and he shall have more abun-
dantly ; and, I doubt not, but, if you set about it,
in the strength of the divine grace, and not in your
own strength, you will find that grace both ready to
you, and suflRcient for you. Your Concordance I
forbear to send till I hear from you again. Notes
upon the Galatians, &c. I have none yet, else you
should have them. Strive not to be large, but con-
cise, and close, and substantial, wherein, here, yon
wanted an example. I pray, be careful, in a special
manner, about secret communion ; for, you know,
as that is kept up, or falls, accordingly the soul pros-
pers. Do not over-tire yourself with study, especi-
ally by candle ; fair and softly goes far. Though
you do well to bewail your loss of precious time,
yet, blessed be God for what you have redeemed ;
and, though it is true, as things are with you, now is
your time, if ever, to be busy ; yet health and strength
must be considered, and nothing done to over-drive.
The latter part of your letter, which was concern-
ing Matthew, gave us some trouble, yet I thank
you that you were so large and particular in it.
We have freely yielded him up, and our interest in
liim, as well as we can, to our Heavenly Father;
and his will be done ! I have written to him, as you
will see, — if he be willing and able, and there be
cause, with advice of friends, — to hasten home ; and,
if he must so leave you, it will be an instance, — ^that
man purposes, but God disposes.
Present my dear love and respects to Mr. Doolit-
Bobert Boater
Oriff. MS.
tel, and to his wife, to whom I am much obliged for
their kindness, which I shall ever acknowledge,
whatever the event be. Fail not to write as there
may be occasion. Here is room only to tell you, that
we are all remembered to you ; and, particularly,
that I am,
Your true friend,
P. H.
This was intended for the superscription, but
the paper being thin, I chose to enclose it. My
two last sabbaths' absence hence, so quickly after
the former three, at London, though I designed it
not, hath caused reports, as if we had quite done,
but I hope it is not so. To-morrow, God willing, we
shall set the plough in again, begging of God, that
late intermissions may quicken desires, and make
the word so much the sweeter. Concerning Matthew
I know not what to say more than I have said. The
Lord prepare and fit us for evil tidings ! I will not
say, our life is bound up in the life of the lad, but
much of the comfort of our life is ; and yet. Father,
thy will be done ! Our cisterns may, and will, dry
up, first or last, but our Fountain remains for ever."]
CHAPTER VII.
THB REBUKES HE LAY UNDER, AT BROAD OAK; BETWEEN THE
TEARS 18S0 AND 1687.
In the beginning of the year 1681, in April and May,
the country was greatly afflicted and threatened by
an extreme drought ; there was no rain for several
weeks, the grass failed. Com, that was sown, lan-
guished ; and much that was intended to be sown,
could not. The like had not been known for many
years. It was generally apprehended that a dearth
would ensue, especially in that country, which is for
the most part dry. And now it was time to seeh the
Lord ; and, according to hts own appointment, to
ash of him rain in the season thereof. Several serious
thinking people being together at the funeral of that
worthy minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Maiden, it was
there said, how requisite it was that there should be
some time set apart on purpose for fasting and
prayer, in a solemn assembly, upon this occasion.
Thomas MilUngton, of Weston, in Hodnet Parish,
in Shropshire, desired it might be at his house ; and
Tuesday, June 14, was Uie day pitched upon.
The connivance of authority was presumed upon,
because no disturbance of meetings was heard of
at London, or any where else. Mr. Henry was de-
sired to come and give his assistance at that day\s
work. He asked upon what terms they stood with
their neighbouring justices, and it was answered, —
" Well enough." The drought continuing in extre-
mity, some that had not used to come to such meet-
X Orig. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
83
ings, yet came thither, upon the apprehensions they
had of the threatening judgment which the country
was under. Mr. Edward Bury,* of Bolas, well
known by several useful books he hath published,
prayed ; Mr. Henry prayed, and preached on Psalm
Ixvi. 18. — If I regard iniqmty in my heart, the
Lord will not hear me; whence his doctrine was,
•That iniquity, regarded in the heart, will cer-
tainly spoil the success of prayer. When he was
in the midst of his sermon, closely appljdng this
truth, SirT. V.»» of Hodnet, and Mr. M.« of Ightfield,
two justices of the peace for Shropshire, with seve-
ral others of their retinue, came suddenly upon them ;
disturbed them, set guards upon the house door, and
came in themselves, severely rallied all they knew,
reflected upon the late Honourable House of Com-
mons, and the vote they passed concerning the pre-
sent nnseasonableness of putting the laws in execu-
tion against Protestant Dissenters, as if, in so voting,
they had acted beyond their sphere, as they did who
took away the life of King Charles the First They
diverted themselves with very abusive and unbe-
coming talk; swearing, and cursing, and reviling
bitterly. Being told the occasion of the meeting was
to seek to turn away the anger of God from us in
the present drought, it was answered; — "Such
meetings as these were the cause of God's anger.''
While they were thus entertaining themselves, their
clerks took the names of those that were present, in
all, about one hundred and fifty, and so dismissed
them for the present. Mr. Henry hath noted, in the
account he kept of this event, that the justices came
to this good work from the ale-house upon Frees
Heath, about two miles off : to which, and the bowl-
ing-green adjoining, they, with other justices, gen-
tlemen, and clergymen, of the neighbourhood, had
long before obliged themselves to come every Tues-
day, during the sunmier time, under the penalty of
twelve-pence a time if they were absent ; and there
to spend the day in drinking and bowling ; which is
thought to be as direct a violation of the law of the
land ; viz, the Statute of ddd Henry YIII. cap. 9.
" for debarring unlawful games,'' which was never
fet repealed, as the meeting was of the Statute
vf 22d Car. II. ; and, as much more to the dis-
boDOur of God, and the scandal of the Christian
l»fofession, as cursing, and swearing, and drunken-
ness, are worse thah praying, and singing psalms,
ind bearing the word of God.'' It is supposed the
iostiees knew of the meeting before, and might have
• 1700. Friday. May U). This week, old Mr. Bury, of Bolas, in
>lvofiriiire, was tniried, an aged nonconrormist, some time a fellow-
iaboorcr and sufTerer with my dear father, now gone to his reward ;
—few left of the old generation. Lord, pour out of thy Spirit on
aur fom and our daughters ! Mrs. Savage's Diary. Orig. MS. Mr.
Bury was bom A. D. 1616. He died May 5, 1700. Noncon. Mem.
V 3.p 141, 4cc.
k Sir Thomas Vernon. Orig. MS. P. Henry.
c Charles MUnwariDg, Esq. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
o 2
I
prevented it by the least intimation ; but they were
willing to take the opportunity of making sport to
themselves, and trouble to their neighbours. After
the feat done, they returned back to the ale-house,
and made themselves and their companions merry
with calling over the names they had taken, making
their reflections as they saw cause, and recounting
the particulars of the exploit. There was one of the
company, whose wife happened to be present at the
meeting, and her name taken among the rest ; with
which upbraiding him, he answered, that she had
been better employed than he was, and if Mr. Henry
might be admitted to preach in a church, he would
go a great many miles to hear him. For which
words he was forthwith expelled their company, and
never more to show his face again at that bowling-
green ; to which he replied, — ^if they had so ordered
long ago, it had been a great deal the better for him
and his family. Two days after they met again at
Hodnet, where, upon the oath of two witnesses, who,
as was supposed, were sent on purpose to inform,
they signed and sealed two records of conviction.
By one record, they convicted the master of the
house, and fined him £20, and £5 more as constable
of the town that year ; and, with him, all the persons
present, whose names they had taken, and fined
them 6s» a piece, and issued out warrants according-
ly. By another record, they convicted the two mi-
nisters, Mr. Bury and Mr. Henry. The Act makes
it only punishable to preach, or teach, in any such
conventicle; and yet they fined Mr. Bury £20,
though he only prayed, and did not speak one word
in the way either of preaching or teaching, not so
much as, — " Let us pray ;" however, they said,
'^ Praying was teaching ;*'« and, right or wrong, he
must be fined ; though his great piety, peaceable-
ness, and usefulness, besides his deep poverty, one
would think, might have pleaded for him, against
so palpable a piece of injustice. They took £7 oil'
from him, and laid it upon others, as they saw cause ;
and, for the remaining £13, he being utterly unable
to pay it, they took from him, by distress, the bed
which he lay upon, with blanket and rug; also,
another feather-bed, nineteen pair of sheets, most
of them new ; of which he could not prevail to have
so much as one pair returned for him to lie in ; also,
books, to the value of £5, besides brass and pewter.
And, though he was at this time perfectly innocent
of that heinous crime of preaching and teaching,
with which he was charged, (for so the record runs
i See Baxter's Eng. Noncon. p. 183. 4to. 1090.
• In the case of Robert Collins, A. M. it was 'contended, that
'* presbyteriao preaching and praying was all one; for they, in
their prayers, would undertake to teach Almighty God." Tlie
counsel for the prosecutor prayed the bench to call for a diction-
ary, and said, *' There they would find, that prgedicare and orare
were the same." See the Noncon. Mem. \ . %, v"*^- ^^ wv^a. ^^va^
V 3. p. 151.
84
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
again and again, concerning Mr. Henry and Mr.
Bury, Quod ad tunc et ibidem precaverunt, pre-
dieaverunt et docuerunt,) yet he had no way to
right himself, but by appealing to the justices them-
selves in quarter sessions, who would be sure to
affirm their own decree, as the justices in Montgo-
meryshire had done not long before in a like case,
especially when it was to recover to themselves
treble costs. So the good man sat down with his
loss, and took joyfully the spoiling of his goods ;
knowing in himself, that he had, tit heaven^ a better
and a more enduring substance.
But Mr. Henry being the g^atest criminal,' and
having done the most mischief, must needs be ani-
madverted upon accordingly; and, therefore he
was fined £40 ; the pretence of which was this : In
the year 1679, October 16, Mr. Kynaston, of Oatly,
a justice of peace in Shropshire, meeting him and
some others coming, as he supposed, from a con-
venticle, he was pleased to record their conviction,
upon the notorious evidence and circumstances of
the fact. The record was filed at Salop the next
sessions after, but no notice was ever sent of it,
either to Mr. Henry, or the justices of Flintshire;
nor any prosecution upon it, against any of the
parties charged ; (the reason of which, Mr. Henry,
in a narrative B he wrote of this affair, supposeth to
be not only the then favourable posture of public
affiairs towards dissenters, but also the particular
prudence and lenity of Mr. Kynaston;) so that,
having never smarted for this, he could not be sup-
posed to be deterred from the like offence ; nor, if
he were wronged in that first conviction, had he ever
any opportunity of making his appeal. However,
the justices being resolved he should have summum
juSf thought that first record sufficient to give deno-
mination to a second offence, and so he came to be
fined double. This conviction, according to the
direction of the Act, they certified to the next ad-
joining justices of Flintshire, who had all along
carried themselves with great temper and modera-
tion towards Mr. Henry, and had never given him
any disturbance ; though, if they had been so
minded, they had not wanted opportunities; but
they were now neccjisitated to execute the sentences
of the Shropshire justices. It was much pressed
upon him to pay the fine, which might prevent his
own loss and the justices' trouble. But he was not
willing to do it, partly, because he would g^ve no
f See an Account of the Rev. John Baily. Mather's History of
New England, book iii. p. 333 ; and Middleton*8 Biog. Evang. v.
4. p. 103. oct. 1786.
r This MS. Is entitled, *• An Account of the Proceedings
against the Rct. Philip Henry, and others, for Preaching and
Praying in the House of Mr. Thomas MiUington, of Weston, in the
I'arish of Hodnet. in the County of Salop, in the reign of Charles
II. in the year I68L** It is in the hand-writing of Mr. Henry, and
ifomemed by Mr. Witton.
-ft TA/s refusal is thought and termed contempt, stubbornness.
encouragement to such prosecutions, nor volunta-
rily reward the informers for that which he thought
they should rather be punished for; and partly
because he thought himself vrronged in the doubling
of the fine.** Whereupon his goods were distrained
upon, and carried away ; in the doing of which
many passages occurred which might be worth the
noting, but, that the repetition of them would
perhaps grate, and give offence to some, lict it
therefore suffice, waving the circumstances, to
remember only that their warrant, not giving them
authority to break open doors, nor their watchful-
ness getting them an opportunity to enter the house,
they carried away about thirty-three cart-loads of
goods without doors, com cut upon the ground, hay,
coals, &c. This made a great noise in the country,
and raised the indignation of many against the
decrees which prescribed this grievousness ; while
Mr. Henry bore it with his usual evenness and
serenity of mind, not at all moved or disturbed by
it. He did not boast of his sufferings, or make any
great matter of them ; but would often say, — Alas,
this is nothing to what others suffer, nor to what we
ourselves may suffer before we die! And yet he
rejoiced, and blessed God tliat it was not for debt,
or for evil doing, that his goods were carried away.
— And, saith he, while it is for well doing that we
suffer, they cannot harm us. Thus he vnites in his
Diary upon it ;~How oft have we said that changes
are at the door ; but, blessed be God, there is no
sting in this ! He frequently expressed the assur-
ance he had, that, whatever damage he sustained,
— God is able to make it up again. And, as he used
to say, — Though we may be losers/or Christ, yet we
shall not be losers by him in the end. He had often
said, that his preaching was likely to do the most
good, when it was sealed to by suffering ; and, if
this be the time, saith he, welcome the will of God ;
even this also shall turn to the furtherance of the
gospel of Christ Bene agere et male pati vere
Christianum est}
Soon after this, was the assizes for Flintshire,
held at Mold, where Sir George Jeffries,^ after-
wards Lord Chancellor, then Chief Justice of Ches-
ter, sat Judge. He did not, in private conversation,
seem to applaud what was done in this matter, so as
was expected ; whether out of a private pique against
some that had been active in it, or for what other
reason is not known ; but it was said, he pleasantly
and what not. But let Ood and |he world judge. It Is supposed
the easier they come by the fines, the likelier they will be to come
again. Besides, as yet, the general practice of good people
throughout the nation is to refuse payment, and to suffer distress,
though it be found, for the most part, to inflame the reclconing.
P. Henry. Orig. MS.
i Appendix, No. XVI. See 1 Pet il. 30.
k See Granger's Biog. Hist. v. 3. p. 368, and the Life of Lord
North, 4to. 1742. p. 209, &c.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
86
asked some of tlie gentlemen, by what new law they
pressed carts, as they passed upon their occasions
along the road, to carry away goods distrained for
a cooTentiele ? It was also said, that he spoke with
lome respect of Mr. Henry ; saying, he Jcnew him,
and his character, well, and that he was a great friend
of his mother's, (Mrs. Jeffries of Acton, near Wrex-
kam, a very pious, good woman,) and that some-
times, at his mother's request, Mr. Henry had ex-
amined him in his learning, when he was a school-
boy, and had commended his proficiency. And it
was much wondered at hy many, that, of all the
times Sir George Jeffries went that circuit, though
it is well enough known what was his temper, and
what the temper of that time, yet he never sought
aoy occasion ag^nst Mr. Henry, nor took the occa-
sions that were offered, nor countenanced any trou-
ble intended him, though he was the only noncon-
fonnist in Flintshire. One passage I remember, not
improper to be mentioned ; there had been an agree-
ment among some ministers, (I think it began in the
West of England, where Mr. Allen * was,) to spend
some time, either in secret, or in their families, or
both, between six and eight o'clock every Monday
morning. In prayer for the church of God, and for
the land and nation, more fully and particularly
than at other times, and to make that their special
errand at the throne of grace ; and to engage as
many of their praying friends as ever they could
to the observance of it. This had been communi-
cated to Mr. Henry, by some of his friends at
London, and he punctually observed it in his own
practice, I believe, for many years. He alsd men-
tioned it to some of his acquaintance, who did in
Gke manner observe it. It happened that one in
Denbighshire,*" to whom he had communicated it,
was so well pleased with it, that he wrote a letter of
it to a friend of his at a distance ; which letter hap-
pened to fall into hands that perverted it, and made
information upon it, against the writer and receiver
of the letter, who were bound over to the Assizes,
and great suspicions Sir George Jeffries had, that
it was a branch of the presbyterian plot," and rallied
the parties accused severely.
It appeared, either by the letter, or by the con-
fesnon of the parties, that they received the project
firom Mr. Henry, which, it was greatly feared, would
bring him into trouble ; but Sir George, to the ad-
miration of many, let it fall,° and never inquired
farther into it. It seems, there are some men, whose
I The Rev. Joseph AUeine. Nat. 1633 ; ob. Nov. 1688. See his
Life and Lettets, duod. 1671 ; lately reprinted.
■ Mr. AmtmM Lewid. BfS. See mif , p. 29.
A See Baxter Reliq: part Ui. p. I8ff, &c. Various curious pam-
phlets were originated by the accusation ; particulariy the Horrid
bio of Maa^atcMiHr, the Second Part, 4to. I68i : and *' No Pro-
testant Plot. inThfve Parts,'* 4to. 1681, 1688.
• At the same time, be (the judge) caused Blr. Ambrose Lewis,
us old school-BBBflter at Wrexham, in Denbighshire, a worthy
ways 90 please the Lord, that he makes even their
enemies to he at peace with them ; and there is no-
thing lost hy trusting in God.
Mr. Henry, at the next assizes after he was dis-
trained upon, was presented by one of the high con-
stables,— 1. For keeping a conventicle at his house ;
and, 2. For saying,— That the law for suppressing
conventicles ought not to be obeyed, and that there
was never a tittle of the word of God in it. As to
this latter presentment, it was altogether false. He
had, indeed, in discourse with the high constable,
when he insisted so much upon the law, which re-
quired him to be so rigorous in the prosecution, ob-
jected,—That all human laws were not to be obeyed,
merely because they were laws. But, as to any
such reflections upon the law he suffered by, he was
far from it, and had prudence enough to keep
silence at that time ; for it was an evil time when so
many were made offenders for a word. But these
presentments met with so little countenance from
Judge Jeffries, that Mr. Henry only entered his ap-
pearance in the prothonotary's office, and they were
no more heard of; wherein he acknowledged the
hand of God, who tumeth the hearts of the children
of men as tfie Hvulets of water.
As to what was taken fiom him by the distress,
they who took it made what markets they pleased of
it, payed those they employed, and, what the remain-
der was, is not known for certain ; but, it was said,
that the following summer about £27 was paid to Sir
T. v., of which, and Uie rest that was levied in other
places, which amounted to a considerable sum, it was
credibly reported, and I have not heard it contradict-
ed, that neither the king nor the poor had their share,
which, by the Act, is to be two-thirds, nor the in-
formers all theirs neither; but, people said, the
gentlemen had occasion for it all. But, as they that
had it were never the richer for it, so he that lost it
would often say,— That he found that God did so
abundantly bless the remainder to him, that he was
never the poorer ; which he would mention for the
encouragement of his friends, not to balk duty, as he
used to express it, for fear of suffering.
In the same year, 1681, happened a public dis-
course at Oswestry, between the th en Bishop of St.
Asaph, Dr. William Lloyd,P now Bishop of Coven-
try and Lichfield, and some nonconformist minis-
ters, of which Mr. Henry was one. The story, in
short, is this: — That learned bishop, at his first
coming to the diocese of St. Asaph, in his zeal for
good man, Mr. Henry's great friend, to be presented, and rallied
against him particularly, with great keenness in his charge to tlie
grand jury. Tor keeping conventicles, as he called it, in the school ;
•♦•by which means," salth he, " your children get the twang of
fanaticism in their noses when they are you!>g. and they will
never leave it." Life. Orig. MS. ut npra.
p Nat. A. D. 1687; Ob. 30th August, 1717. Mr. Cha1mera*s Biog.
Diet. V. 20. p. 347, &c.
86
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
the established church, set himself with vi^ur to
reduce dissenters to it; and, that he might do it
with the cords of a man, he resolved, before he took
any other methods, to reason the matter with them,
and to endeavour their conviction by discourse^ in
which he had a very great felicity, both by his
learning and temper. If there were any that de-
clined discoursing with him, he improved that
against them very much ; urging, as he wTOte after-
wards to Mr. Henry, — " That no man can pretend
conscience for not coming when he is required, to
give an account of his religion, to them that have
authority to demand it, by the laws under which he
lives, and to hear from their mouths what can be
said for the established religion. These are things
from which conscience is so far from exempting,
that the great rule of conscience requires it, as an
indispensable duty, that we should be always ready
toffive an account of the hope that is in us ; and that we
should hear them that are in Moses's chair f^ &c. ; and,
therefore, those who refused thi^-, he would consider
as men governed, not by conscience, but obstinacy."
t-He publicly discoursed with the quakers at
lanfyllin, in Montgomeryshire; their champion
was Dr. Lloyd, a physician. One of the most con-
siderable nonconformist ministers in his diocese
was Mr. James Owen, of Oswestry,' then very
young, but well known since by his learned book,
which he calls, " A Plea for Scripture Ordination ;"
proving ordination by presbyters, without diocesan
bishops, to be valid, (published in the year 1694,)
a point of controversy which he was then obliged,
in his own defence, to search into. Several dis-
courses the bishop had with him in private ; at last,
his lordship was pleased to appoint him to give
him the meeting in the town-hall at Oswestry, on
Tuesday, September 27, 1681, there to give account,
" by what right he exercised the ministry, not
having episcopal ordination." He directed him
also to procure what other ministers he could to
assist him, for he would be glad to hear what any
of them had to say for themselves. The notice was
very short, not above four or &ye days. Some,
whose assistance was desired, apprehended it might
do more hurt than good, and might be prejudicial
to their own liberty, and therefore declined it. It
was not agreeable to Mr. Henry's mild and modest
temper, to appear in such circumstances; but he
was loth to desert his friend, Mr. Owen, and so,
with much importunity, he was prevailed with to
come to Oswestry, at the time appointed ; and there
came no other but he and Mr. Jonathan Roberts, of
Denbighshire, in the diocese of Bangor, a plain
q See Matt, xxili. 3.
r Afterwards of Shrewsbury ; where he died, April 8, 1706, et
5*2. See his Life, ul npra ; and Memoirs or Mrs. Savage. Ap-
pendix, No. IV.
* Aat. Oct. 1641; Ob. 7th June, )7J1. Chalmers's Biog. Diet. v. 12,
p- Jif2, Ac. There is a curious statement respecting him in the
man, of ^great integrity, and a very good scholar.
The bishop came, according to appointment, and
brought with him, for his assistant, the famous Mr.
Henry Dodwell.* Mr. Henry, who was utterly a
stranger to the bishop, pressed hard to have had the
discourse in private, before a select number, but it
would not be granted. He also desired his lordship
that it might not be expected from him, being of
another diocese, to concern himself in the discourse,
but only a hearer. " Nay, Mr. Henry," said the
bishop, " it is not the concern of my diocese alone,
but it is the common cause of religion, and, there-
fore, I expect you should interest yourself in it more
than as a hearer." His lordship was pleased to
promise, that nothing that should be said by way of
argim[)ent, should be any way turned to the preju-
dice of the disputants, nor advantage taken of it
to give them trouble. There were present divers
of the clergy and gentry of the country, with the
magistrates of the town, and a great number of
people, which, if it could have been avoided, was
not easy to Mr. Henry, who never loved any thing
that made a noise ; herein like his Master,^ who did
not strive, nor cry. The discourse began about two
o'clock in the afternoon, and continued till between
seven and eight at night ; much was said, pro and
con, touching the identity of bishops and presbyters,
the bishoping and unbishoping of Timothy and
Titus," the validity of presbyterian ordination, &c.
It was managed with a great deal of liberty, and not
under the strict laws of disputation, which made it
hard to give any tolerable account of the particulars
of it. The arguments on both sides may better be
fetched from the books written on the subject than
from such a discourse. The bishop managed his
part of the conference with a great deal of gravity,
calmness, and evenness of spirit, and therein gave
an excellent pattern to all that are in such stations.
Mr. Henry's remark upon this business, in his Diary,
is this ;— That, whereas, many reports went abroad
far and near, concerning it, every one passing their
judgment upon the result of it, as they stood affect-
ed ; for my own part, saith he, upon reflection, I
find I have great reason to be ashamed of my mani-
fold infirmities and imperfections ; and yet, do bless
God, tliat, seeing I could manage it no better, to do
the truth more service, there was not more said and
done to its disservice. To God be glory. But there
were others, who said, that Mr. Henry was an in-
strument of glorifying God, and serving the church,
in that affair, almost as much as in any thing that
ever he did, except the preaching of the gospel.
And some, who were adversaries to the cause he
Preface to Dr. S. Clarke's Discourses, vol i. p. xvi. oct. 1730, by
Benjamin, Lord Bishop of Salisbury.
t •' 1 will always call Jesus my Master." Geo. Herbert. Lives
by Walton, v. a. p. 75. ut npra.
u See a curious volume bearing this title, 4to. 1636.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
87
pleaded, though they were not convinced by his
aifaments, yet, by his great meekness and humility,
and that truly Christian spirit, which appeared so
endently in the whole management, were brought
to have a better opinion of him, and the way in which
he walked.
The conference ' broke off a little abruptly. The
bishop and Mr. Henry being somewhat close at an
acgoment, in the recapitulation of what had been
disooorsed of, Mr. Jonathan Roberts whispered to
Mr. Henry, — " Pray, let my lord have the last word ;'*
which a justice of peace upon the bench over-hear-
ing, presenUy replied ;^^' Yon say, * My lord shall
have the last word ;' but he shall not ; for I will —
We thank God, we have the sword of power in our
hands ; and, by the grace of God, we will keep it ;
and it shall not rust ; and I hope every lawful magis-
trate will do as I do. And, look to yourselves, gen-
tlemen, by the grace of God, I will root you out of
the country." To which a forward man in the crowd,
said, — *' Amen ! Throw them down stairs.'' This
the bishop heard with silence, but the mayor of the
town took order for their safety.
Two days after this discourse, the bishop wrote a
very obliging letter to Mr. Henry, to signify to him
how very much he was pleased with the good temper
and spirit that he found in him at Oswestry, and
that he looked upon him as one that intended well,
bat laboured under prejudices ; and to desire further
acquaintance and conversation with him ; par-
ticularly that he would come to him, straightway,
to Wrexham.
[The letter was as follows ;—
« Sir ;
*^ I was much pleased with the good temper I
found in you at the conference at Oswestry, and
sorry to find so little of it in those to whom you had
joined yourself; therefore, though I would have be-
stowed a day or two more with them, in that service,
if I bad known what answer I should have received
from Mr. Evans, of Wrexham, and Mr. John Trevors,
I do not think it worth while to seek for an answer
from men that contend, not for truth, but only for
victory. But, for you, Sir, in whom I saw better
appearances, I would go a good way to have an in-
tercourse with you, could I be sure of finding you at
home ; and, since I cannot be sure of that, I send
this bearer to desire you would meet me at Wrexham,
where I intend, God willing, to be on Friday mor-
ning, and to stay all day ; and allow me as much of
V Appendix, No. XVII.
V Prom an antbentic copy.
X ** Envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableneaB," are the
ingredients of tcbisni. See the Enquiry into the nature or schism,
foti. Who will not Join hrartily in the response,— From all .these,
" Gooa Lord, deliver us !"
See the Ttects of the ever-memorable Hales, of Eton, p. ia4. .
d«od. ITS ; and Bishop Taylor's Liberty of Prophesying, sect. xxii. I
your company as you can. Give me leave to tell
yon, though I think you put a wrong interpretation
upon 2 Timothy iv. 17. it is probable, that, in thus
thinkings I may follow a prejudice of my own; and
I know no reason to suspect this in myself, but on
account of human infirmity ; but, I make bold to
say, with St. Austin, * I cannot be a heretic' I
trust God will keep me from being obstinate in any
error ; for I know, and desire to follow, none but
him. If you are of the same disposition, there may
be a good effect of this meeting. Howsoever, there
can be no bad of it, as far as I am able to judge.
God direct us in the way of peace and holiness !
" Your humble servant,
** In the Lord Jesus Christ,
W.St. Asaph."*
" September 29, 1680."
About three months after he sent for him again
to Chester ; in both which inter>iews a great deal
of discourse, with much freedom, passed between
them in private, in which they seemed to vie in no-
thing more than candour and obligingness, showing
to each other all meekness. I remember the bishop
was pleased to show him his plan for the govern-
ment of his diocese, and tlie method he intended to
take in church-censures, which Mr. Henry very well
approved of; but pleasantly told his lordship, he
hoped he would take care that Juvenal's verso
should not be again verified. (Sat. 2.)
Dat veniam corviSf vexat censura columbas.
Which the bishop smiled at, and told him he would
take care it should not. His lordship, observing
his true catholic charity and moderation, told him
he did not look upon him as <rxt(T/iariKO£, a schismatic ;*
but only as trapacfwdywyos, a separatist ; and, that
if he were in his diocese, he did not question but
that he should find out some way to make him useful.
But all his reasonings could not satisfy Mr. Henry\t
conscience of the lawfulness of being re-ordained
and conforming. The bishop, for some years after,
when he came that way, towards London, either
called on Mr. Henry, at his house, or sent for him to
him at Whitchurch, and still with all outward ex-
pressions of friendship.
[With his characteristic benevolence, Mr. Henry
took occasion to avail himself of the favour ^ of the
worthy prelate, on behalf of his oppressed brethren,
as appears by the following interesting letter: —
Works, vt tupra, vol. 8. p. 230. Likewise, Howe's Works, vol 8.
p. Ixvi.
y The Rev. Richard Stretton used to say, that he kept up his
acquaintance with persons of estate and figure as long as he could
improve it Tor the doing or good ; and, when it would no longer
be made to serve that purpose, he let it dio^. ^xwkKwX'icwvvvjxN.
fur Mr. Stretton, poiT.
88
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
For the Right Reverend
William, Lord Bishop of St. Asaph.
My Lord ;
The experience which I have had of your very
great candour, together with the particular leave
you were pleased to give me of applying myself to
you, as there might be occasion of this nature, are
my encouragement to trouble your lordship with
these few lines. I understand there are several
protestant dissenters of your diocese, that, being
excommunicate, are in danger of being cast into
prison, by writs remaining in the sheriff's hands for
that purpose, concerning whom, when I was with
you at Chester, you were pleased to say, — " It was
not for their mere nonconformity, but for withhold-
ing their church dues ;" and, having made inquiry
about it, I do find, that there are but few of them
chargeable with that neglect, and, of those few,
there is one William David, of Myvod, on whose
behalf the minister of the place hath written the
enclosed, whereby it will appear, 0iat his default
therein was not wilful and usual, but merely acci-
dental ; which, when your lordship sees, I hope it
will prevail to obtain from you his discharge. And,
for the rest, who suffer for not conforming, I have
personal acquaintance with divers of them, both
about Wrexham, and in Montgomeryshire; parti-
cularly with Mr. Walter Griffiths, and Richard
Gardner, and Evan Roberts; and have reason to
believe concerning them, that they are religious,
sober, peaceable men, though under dissatisfactions
in the things imposed ; and, being such, I would
entreat your lordship, that your lenity may be ex-
tended towards them, and the rather, considering,
that the casting them into the jail is like to be the
ruin of themselves, and of their families, as to this
world, which I am confident can be no way pleasing
to you in the reflection. Besides, the process against
them, if I be not misinformed, is upon presentments
made in your predecessor's days long since ; and if,
in other cases, the action dies with the person,* it
were but reasonable it should in this also. Would
your lordship please to forbear but for a while this
highest act of severity towards them, it may be,
upon further conference with them, and knowledge
of them, you will find them other persons than they
are represented to you to be. I humbly beg your
lordship's pardon for my boldness with you herein ;
and subscribe myself,
My Lord,
Your servant, much obliged,
March 26, 1682. Philip Henry.*]
t Actio personalis mon'tur cum persona. — A maxim in law.
a Orig. MS. This letter, a little altered, was printed in the Pro-
testant Dissenters* Bflagazine, v. 2. p. 4S6.
b Except to Boreatton. Lire. Orig. MS. «/ supra.
e Life. Orig. MS. ui supra. See Blather's History of New Eng.
land, tM>ok iv. p. 152.
d In allusion, no doubt, to the prophetic vision as to the state
The trouble which Mr. Henry was in, about the
meeting at Weston, obliged him for a while to keep
his sabbaths at home somewhat private ; but, in the
year 1682, he took a greater liberty, and many flock-
ed to him on Lord's days, through the kind con-
nivance of the neighbouring magistrates ; but, in
the year 1683, when the meetings were generally
suppressed throughout the kingdom, he was again
necessitated to contract his sails, and confine his
labours more to his own family, and his friends that
visited him. He continued his attendance at White-
well chapel as usual ; and, when he was abridged
of his liberty, he often blessed God for his quietness.
Once, when one of the curates preached a bitter
sermon against dissenters, on a Lord's day morning,
some wondered that Mr. Henry would go again in
the afternoon, for the second part.— But, saith he, if
he do not know his duty, I know mine; and, I bless
God, I can find honey in a carcass.
In this time of treading down, and of perplexity,
he stirred little abroad,** being forced, as he used to
express it,— To throw the plough under the hedge ;
but he preached constantly at home without disturb-
ance.
[During this period he preached over the Old-
Testament types of Christ, real and personal : twelve
of each ; and the principal passages in the history
of Christ's last sufferings ; also. Psalm Ixxiii. and
part of Psalm Ixxvii. besides many other occasional
subjects.*]
He often comforted himself with this ; — ^When we
cannot do what we would, if we do what we can,
God will accept us ; when we cannot keep open
shop, we must drive a secret trade. And he would
say,— There is a mean, if we could hit it, between
fool-hardiness and faint-heartedness. While he
had some opportunity of being useful at home, he
was afraid lest he should prejudice that by venturing
abroad. One of his friends, in London, earnestly
soliciting him to make a visit thither in this time of
restraint in the country, he thus wrote to him ;— I
should be glad once more to kiss my native soil,
though it were but with a kiss of valediction ; but
my indisposedness to travel, and the small prospect
there is of doing good to countervail the pains, are
my prevailing arguments against it. I am here, it
is true, buried alive, but I am quiet in my grave,**
and have no mind to be a walking ghost.* We re-
joice, and desire to be thankful, that God hath
given us a home, and continued it to us, when so
many, better than we, have not where to lay their
head, having no certain dwelling-place. (It was at
of the Jews, Ezek. xzxvii. 12, 13. See also Milton's Poetical
Works, ui supra, v. 5. pp. 352, 353. and the notes. Samson Ago-
nistes, 100, kc.
• ** When spirits walk, and ghosts hreak up their graves."
Shakspeare. Hen. VI. 2d part, act L sc. 4.
" Like a ghost, walk silent among men."
Ben Jonson. Works, v. 8. p. 41L «< suprt.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
89
the time of the dispersion of the French protestants.)
Why they exiles, and not we? They strangers in a
strange land, and not we ? We must not say, We will
die m our nests ; lest God say, Nay : nor, We will
wMJUiply our days as that bird, the phoenix ; (referring
to Job xxix. 18.) lest God say. This night thy soul
skull be required of thee. Oar times, and all oar
ways, are at his disposal, absolutely and universally ;
and it is very well they are so.
At the time of the Duke of Monmouth's descent,'
and the insurrection in the west, in the year 1685,
Mr. Henry, as many others, (pursuant to a general
order of the lord-lieutenant, for securing all sus-
pected persons, and particularly all nonconformist
ministers,) was taken up by a warrant from the
deputy-lieutenants, and sent under a guard to
Chester Castle, where he was about three weeks a
close prisoner. He was lodged with some gentle-
men and ministers that were fetched thither out of
Lancashire, who were all strangers to him, but he
bad great comfort in the acquaintance and society of
many of them.
[Thence he addressed to Mrs. Henry the follow-
ing letter ;—
July 8, 1685.
Dear heart ;
I continue very well at present,— thanks be to
God ! — and feel nothing yet of the inconyeniences
of a prison. We are better accommodated, as I
acquainted you in my last, than we could have ex-
pected, though we must pay for it. Just now, six
ministers, nonconformists, are brought in hither from
Lancashire, more than before ; so far are we from
enlargement But our times are in God's hand,
who hath sent us hither, I am confident, for good,
though how, or which way, or wherein, I know not ;
but He is faithful who hath promised. My chamber-
fellows and I differ something in our apprehensions
of things past, which will not be helped ; but, for
the unseen things that are to come, that are eternal,
we are all one. Our afternoons, till late, are filled
with visitants, who love us, and wish us well, and
are kind to us : but we cannot do with them what
we would. I have not yet opened the little bottle I
brought with me, not wanting it, and being more
afraid of what might heat me, in regard we have no
drink but strong, (unless very seldom,) which may
torn to feverish distempers, wanting exercise. I
bave not trodden on the ground since Saturday,
which, using myself to in the mornings, I thought
the want of might be prejudicial ; but hitherto, it
is not. I have not tasted butter yet with bread,
finee I came from home. This dinner we had beans
t See the Hiftory of Taunton, pp. 135—170.
t Grig. MS.
k *'The mercies of God are inflnite ; who doth, not only by his
void, but alio by tiis justice, make us fit for his kingdom. Little
and bacon, salmon, &c. I am careful what I eat;
not fishes and fleshes. Mrs. Wenlock was to see
me yesterday, and brought me a bottle of wine. I
bestow all of that kind in common with my compan-
ions, strangers here. Let me hear from you, how
you do, and the children, &c. 'as oft as you can.
Love to Matthew. Our guards change every hour,
which makes it so very hard to come to us. I would
gladly see him ; but when, or how, I know not. I
think there is little danger of any harm to him here,
if there be none at home at his return. Love to
Sarah and Eleanor, and to all the rest. Do what
you can to get to heaven yourselves, and to help one
another thither. Prepare for further sufferings, to
which it may be these things are but the preamble ;
but all is well that ends everlastingly well. Thanks
for all your love and faithfulness to me, and patience
with me; the Lord will reward it. One of my
fellow-prisoners last night received a letter from his
wife, subscribed, — '* So I rest, dear husband, in all
duty and obedience, your obedient wife.^' — Such is
Lancashire kindness ; but deeds exceed words.
I am, in short, most entirely, and most affection-
ately, thine ; p jj g-.
He often spake of this imprisonment, not as a
matter of complaint, but of thanksgiving,^ and
blessed God he was in nothing uneasy all the while.
In a sermon to his family, the day after he came
home, he largely and affectionately recounted the
mercies of that providence ; as for instance ;— That
his imprisonment was for no cause : it is guilt that
makes a prison. That it was his security in a dan-
gerous time. That he had good company in his
sufferings, who prayed together, and read the Scrip-
tures together, and discoursed to their mutual edi-
fication. That he had health there ; not sich ; and
in prison ; that he was visited and prayed for by his
friends. That he was very cheerful and easy in his
spirit, many a time asleep and quiet, when his
adversaries were disturbed and unquiet. That his
enlargement was speedy and unsought for, and that
it gave occasion to the magistrates who committed
him, to give it under their hands, that they had
nothing in particular to lay to his charge; and,
especially, that it was without a snare, which was
the thing he feared more than any thing else.
It was a surprise to some that visited him in his
imprisonment, and were big with the expectations
of the Duke of Monmouth's success, to hear him
say ; — I would not have you to flatter yourselves
with such hopes, for God will not do his work for
us in these nations by that man ; but our deliver-
ance and salvation will arise some other way.
do our enemies know what good, by these things, they do unto
us, and what wreck they bring to their own kingdom, while they
set forth the wickedness thereof." Life of BIrs. Katharine Brei-
tergh. 4to. 197C, p. 4. BU Lett.
90
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
It must not be forgotten how ready be was, nay,
how studious and industrious, to serve and oblige
such as bad been any way instruments of trouble to
him, as far as it lay in his power, and he had any
opportunity to do it ; so well had he learned that
g^at lesson of forgiving and loving enemies : of
this it were easy to give instances.
When a gentleman, who had sometimes been an
instrument of trouble to him, had occasion to make
use of his help to give him some light into a cause
he had to be tried, Mr. Henry was very ready to
serve him in it ; and though he might have declined
it, and it was somewhat against his own interest too,
yet he appeared a witness for him, which so won
upon the gentleman, that he was afterwards more
friendly to him. Mentioning in his Diary the death
of another gentleman in Shropshire, he notes, — ^That
he was one that had been his professed enemy ; but,
saith he, God knows I have often prayed for him.
Some have wondered to see how courteously and
friendly he would speak to such as had been any
way injurious to him, when he met with them, being
as industrious to discover his forgiving of wrongs,
as some are to discover their resentments of them :
[thus exemplifying the sentiment he pressed on
others;— When any have provoked you, you say,
you will be even with them ; there is a way not only
to be even with them, but above them, and that is,
— ^to forgive them.']
It was said of Archbishop Cranmer,*' that the way
to make him one's friend, was to do him an unkind-
ness; and I am sure it might be said of Mr. Henry,
that, doing him an unkindness would not make him
one's enemy. This minds me of an exemplary pas-
sage concerning his worthy friend Mr. Edward
Lawrence. Once going, with some of his sons, by
the house of a gentleman that had been injurious
to him, he gave a charge to his sons to this purpose,
— That they should never think or speak amiss of
that gentleman for the sake of any thing he had done
against him ; but, whenever they went by his house
should lift up their hearts in prayer to God for him,
and his family. And, who is he that will harm
those who are thus followers of him that is good^ in
his goodness ? It is almost the only temporal pro-
mise in the New Testament, which is made to the
i P. Henry. Com. PI. Book. Orig. MS. 0%itrcome nil with good.
That is a noble victory indeed. This is the way not to be even
with him that wrongs us, but to be above him. Poole's Annota-
tions on Romans xii. *21. fol. 1688.
k Nat. July 2, 1498. He suffered martyrdom at Oxford in the
sixty-seventh year of bis age. See bis Life by the Rev. J. Strype,
M. A. fol. 1694.
1 See Gen. xvi. 16.
in Dean of Norwich. He was a pupil of Dr. Busby's, and died
Ist Nov. 1724. 8Bt. 77. Aikin's Gen. Biog. v. 8. p. 340.
B We should keep a pair of scales between our heart and our
mouth, to weigh what is suggested. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
o Life. Orig. BIS. ni iupra. It is said of Mr. Eliot, that when he
heard any ministers complain, that such and such in their flocks
meek, Matthew v. 5. — that they shall inherit the
earth; the meaning whereof. Dr. Hammond, in his
Practical Catechism, takes to be especially this ;
that, in the ordinary dispensations of God's provi-
dence, the most mild and quiet people are most free
from disturbance. Those only have every man's hand
against them, that have theirs against every man.'
[He often mentioned the memorandum which Dr.
Prideaux'" gave in the war-time to a gentleman
who had been his pupil, containing three good
lessons, in three Hebrew names twice put together,
(lessons which he had well learned,) Mishmah,
DumahjMassa; Genesis xxv. 14. 1 Chronicles i.
30. which signify, Hear, Keep silence. Bear. The
apostle has them together, James i. 19. — Be swift to
hear, slow to speah,^ slow to wrath/*
Being asked, — ^What are the common vices of the
tongue, of which Christians ought more especially to
beware ? — he replied ; — Vain, flattering, and proud
speeches ; also, much speaking ; an open mouth is
a sign of an empty heart ; as a chest open is a sign
nothing is in it ; when money or jewels are within
it, it is kept locked. Filthy speaking ; we ought to
sprinkle gracious discourses among our other dis-
courses about worldly things ; else, not wholesome
food. False and profane speaking; beware of
making use of scripture expressions without due
reverence. Make not sport of the sins of others.
Abusive speeches ; our tongues must not be scourges,
nor razors, nor swords.P
In advising as to the government of the tongue,
he pressed commencement with the heart.*! — Re-
solve, he added, to Take heed; but resolve in the
strength of Christ. Be not hasty in speech. Commit
the guidance of your tongue to God in prayer. He
is the Maker of the tongue.']
We shall next introduce some of Mr. Henry's
letters to a person of quality in London. The be-
ginning of his correspondence with that gentleman,
(which continued to his death, and was kept up
monthly for a great while,) was in the year 1686 ;
and the following letter broke the ice : —
Honoured Sir ;
Hoping you are, by this time, as you intended,
returned to London, to your home and habitation
were too difficult for them, the strain of his answer still was,—
Brother, compass them ! Learn the meaning of those three little
words. Bear, Forbear, Forgive. Life, by Cotton Mather, p. 36.
duod. 1C8I.
P P. Henry. Orig. MS.
q The heart is the scribe that indites matter ; the tongue is the
pen that writes it down. Ps. xlv. 1. The heart is as be that rides
upon a horse ; the tongue is as the horse that is ridden. James iii.
3. The heart is the pilot in the ship ; the tongue is the ship.
James iii. 4. The heart is the fountain ; words are as the streams.
Matt. xii. 34. The heart is the treasury ; words are as stufT
brought out of it Matt. xii. 35. The heart is the root; words
are the fruit. Prov. xv. 4. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
r P. Henry. Orig. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
91
there, I make bold, according to my promise, to
filiate you in a few lines. In the first place, to be
foor remembrancer of the tows of God which are
opon yon, upon the account of the many mercies of
joar journey, both in your going out, and in your
eoming in. Was not every step you took hedged
about with special providence ? Had not the angeU
charge over you? Did they not pitch their tents
where you pitched yours? Did not goodness and
mercy fblUna you, — and should it not then be had in
thankful remembrance ? Where mercy goes before,
shoald not duty follow after ? If you have Mr.
Angler's Life, you will find there, pages 88, 89, a
collection out of his Diary, of ten heads of mercies,
acknowledged in a journey,* to heighten God's
praises, and to quicken his own and others' hearts
therein, and they are certainly very affecting. Next,
Sir, I am to acquaint you, that I have faithfully dis-
posed of the money you left with me at parting, to
eight poor praying widows in this neighbourhood,
as yoa appointed. And this, among all the rest of
your alms'^deeds, is had in memorial before God ; —
it is fruit that will abound in your account ;— bread,
sent a voyage upon the waters, which you and yours
will Jind again after many days ; for, he is faithful
that kmik promised. The apostle's prayer shall be
mine, 2 Corinthians ix. 10. — Now he that minister-
etk seed to the sower, both minister bread for your
food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the
fruits of your righteousness. A men}
[Who shoots an arrow, and looks not after it ;"
or knocks at a door, and stays not for an answer?'
/ will direct my prayer to Thee, says holy David,
Pialm V. 3, as an archer his arrow to the mark, and
vili look up, to see what becomes of it. And, again.
Psalm Ixxxv. 8. / will hearken what God the Lord
viilsuy. And so, another prophet, having been at
prayer, says, Habakkuk ii. 1. / will get me to my
waick'tower. Sometimes our heavenly Father with-
holds mercies, to quicken prayer ; grants them, to
awaken our thankful acknowledgments ; or, if de-
nied, to excite penitent reflections, searching and
• ** I. Dir^ioM la M# right vajf ; want of this cauaeth wander,
inf , latxnir, and wnow. Ps. cvii. 7.
" i Preservation of man and beast, of life and health, fh>m
f»\h. barm, from enemies, robbers, murderers : some have died in
Uie way, as Rachel ; others fallen sick by the way, as 1 Sam.
XXX. 13. It is a mercy when God supports in travel, to endure
heat and cold ; for a bone to die, or be lame, in the way, is a great
affliction ; so. daily supply of new strength is mercy.
** X Comfort in the way and weather, when both are good, and
company is suitable and comfortable.
" 4. Convenient places for rest, and good refreshment for noon
and nigbt
** & Seasonable provision of necessary food, and cheerful en-
teftainnKnt.
** 6 Temporary ease from the borthen of domestic affkirs, both
care and labow, the mind and body t>oth are eased ; others take
the tmrtben upon them for a time.
** 7. Variety of object! to delight the sense, fkir buildings, fruitful
flelds. pletMot meadows.
trying,—why, and wherefore: for, it is never so,
but there is some cause. Thus the soul and God
converse, and correspond. We send to him for some
mercy wanted. He replies in his providence, either
giving, delaying, or denying. We, in suitable re-
turns, as there is occasion ; and, if so, he is never
wanting to rejoin, either in kind, or kindness, as he
sees best.
With my due and true respects, I take leave, and
rest.
Sir, Yours, ever obliged,
to honour and serve you, in our dear Lord,
Novembers, 1686. Philip Henry.*
For Henry Ashurst, Esq.
at his house in St. John-street,
London.
December 15, 1686.
Sir;
I received yours soon after the date of it ; and,
according to your order therein, I have distributed
other 20s, to the same eight poor praying widows in
this neighbourhood, to whom I gave the former. 1
did also oblige them to continue their supplications
at the throne of grace on the same particular ac-
count, which you at first desired ; and, I believe,
they have done and do it accordingly ; and, you
may be sure, it shall not be in vain, because Truth
itself hath said it shall not Isaiah xlv. 19. It is
true of prayer what is said of winter, that it rots not
in the skies." Though the answer be not always in
the thing asked, yet it is in something else as good,
or better. Abraham's prayer for Ishmael was heard in
Isaac. Sometimes God answers us, by strengthening
us with strength in our souls. Psalm cxxxviii. 3.
He answered his Son so, Luke xxii. 42, 43. If the
prayer be for the removal of a present burthen, and
it be not removed, yet, if we are enabled with faith
and patience to undergo it, the prayer is answered.
If, for the bestowing of a desired mercy, as that of
Moses, that he might go over into the promised land ;
if he say, as he did to him. Let it suffice thee ; that
is, if he give a contented frame of heart in the want
" 8. Change of air ; pleasantness and healthfulness there, by
refreshing gales in the beat of the day.
" 9. The socieiy of friends whom we visit, and the mutual com.
fort that ariseth from their meeting. af\er a time of absence, and
from their friendly and hearty converse.
" 10. Opportunity of understanding more fully how God bath
answered our prayers for them ; opportunity of soul-help, of doing
and receiving good by joint prayer, and by conference, by declar.
ing experience^ by stirring up one another to what is good." Life
of the Rev. John Angier, pp. 08, 8». duod. 1685.
t Transposed fh)m the 3rd edit. pp. 176, 177.
tt See Ps. V. 3.
▼ See Gumall's Christian in Ck)mplete Armour, part iii. pp. 603,
604, 4tO. 166^
V From an authentic copy.
X Beware of extremities ; and, till the Lord hath truly brought
downe tky winter out of the tkjf, know it will ntver rot tkere^ it must be the
mercifuUcalme of grace which must bring a settled state upon thy
soule. Naaman's Disease and Cure, by Dan. Rogers, p. 264. fol. 1642-
92
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
of it, the prayer is answered ; a* was also that of
Panl's, when he prayed that the^om in the flesh
might pass from him ; — My grace, said he, is tuffi-
cient for thee. We have great need of heavenly
wisdom, (the Lord give it !) both to discern and to
improve answers to prayer ; if we have them not in
kind, if we have in kindness, we should be no less
thankful. I shall be glad to hear, if God see good,
that your child recovers ; but, if not, if he sanctify
the affliction to him and you, that is, further you in
sanctification, do your souls good by it, bear you up
under it in a quiet, patient, submissive frame, you
will say, at last, — li was well. So, also, as to the
fitting you with a convenient seat for your family ;
it were very desirable, if he please, that you should
be sped in it ; but, if his pleasure be rather to keep
you longer in your present circumstances, and then,
withal, to give you a heart to improve the same, and
to take occasion, from the uncertainties and unset-
tlements of this world, to be so much the more dili-
gent in making sure, what will be made sure, a
building in heaven, not made with hands, you will
be no loser thereby, but a gainer.
My thoughts of justifying faith and sincere re-
pentance, are, 1. That they are choice gifts of God,
Ephesians ii. 8. Acts xi. 18. If he give not to us to
believe and to repent, we can neither believe nor
repent ; and therefore, in the want of them, we are to
ask them : and, if we ask, he will give. 2. That
they are the fruits of electing love. Those that were,
from all eternity, given to Christ,—- to all those, and
to none but those, it is in time given to believe, and
repent. Acts xiii. 48. John vi. 37 ; xii. 39, 40. If
it be said, *' Why doth he then find fault?" I should
answer, — ^The decree is secret, which is concerning
us, but that is revealed which is our duty ; and to
that we must attend. 3. That they are necessary
conditions of pardon. There may perhaps be such
a notion framed of a condition, as will by no means
be applicable to them, but sano sensu, they are so
required, that, if we have them not, our sin remains
upon us. Luke xiii. 3 — 5. John iii. 36. If we have
them, it is most certainly done away ; 1 John i. 9.
John iii. 16. not for their sake, but for Christ's sahe,
4. That they are inseparable companions; where
one is, there is the other also. He that says, '* I be-
lieve," and doth not repent, presumes ; he that says,
'* I repent," and doth not believe, despairs. Faith in
Christ doth not justify /rom sin, where there is not
godly sorrow /or sin;^ neither can sorrow for sin
f The motivts to repentance are,— the shortness or life, and un-
certainty or the space for repentance, Rev. ii. 21.— the misery and
danger of impenitency, Luke xiii. 3, 5.— the commands of God,
ActH xvii. 30. 3L— the goodness of Ood, Rom. ii. 4.— his readiness
to forgive us upon our repentance, Ps. Ixxxvi. 5— the gospel's
gracious invitations of Jesus Christ, Matt. iii. 2. -there is no other
way to pardon and reconciliation. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
I She was the fifth daughter of William, Lord Paget, by the Lady
Frances, eldest daughter of Henry. Earl of Holland. See a Sermon
preached on the Death of the Lady Diana Ashurst, who died Aug
obtain pardon of it, where there is not faith in Jesus
Christ, because his blood, alone, cleanseth from all
sin. If your meaning were, what the nature of them
is, and how they may be known, I have not left
myself room in this paper to tell you. The Lord, by
his grace, work them in us, and increase them more
and more !
Please to give my most humble service to your
good lady," and to your virtuous daughter. I
hope she doth not forget her baptismal covenant
The Lord fill you with comfort in each other, and
in all your children, but especially, and above all,
in himself, who is the Spring-head and Foun-
tain!
With my due respects to your good self, Sir, I rest.
Yours, much obliged, to honour and serve you,
P. H.
For Henry Ashurst, Esq.
At his house in St. John-street,
London.*']
CHAPTER VIII.
THE LAST NINB TBAR8 OF HIS LIPS IN LIBERTY AND ENLARGE-
KENT AT BROAD OAK, FROM THE TEAR 1687.
[The correspondence, already introduced, was early
continued in the year 1687, by the following excellent
letters : —
Sir;
Our last to each other, as it seems, were of the
same date, and met upon the road. You begin with
a good subject ;— to have my thoughts of faith and |
repentance. They are the two hinges, upon which
the door of our salvation turns ; except we repent, and
believe the gospel, we cannot possibly be accepted,
and saved. Paul tells the elders of Ephesus, Acts
XX. 20. that he had kept back nothing that was pro-
fitable unto them ; and then adds, verse 2\.—t€ttify-
ing repentance towards God, and faith towards our
Lord Jesus Christ, — as if those included all that is
profitable.* But why repentance towards God? Be-
cause he is the party wronged and injured .by sin;
and, therefore, to him it is fit the penitent acknow-
ledgment should be made. And, also, because if
it be not towards God, it is worth nothing. If we
sorrow not with an eye to him ; Ezekiei vi. 9. — They
shall remember me, and loathe themselves. If our
confessions be not before him, as the prodigal's, —
24, 1707, by Richard Bfayo, Minister of St Thomas's Hospital in
Southwark, 4to. 170R, p. 17.
a Orig. MS.
a In managing the great business of repentance, set God be.
fore thee in his holiness, Christ in his love, and thy sins in their
fllthiness. Dwell awhile upon the sight: compare one with
another. Compare thy sins with the pure law. P. Henry. Origt
MS.
Guilt in the soul is like a mote in the eye ; not at ease till wept
out. P. Henry. Palmer's Noncon Mem. v. a p. 480.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
93
Father, I ktive sinned, frc< (not as Judas who tolil
the chief-priests what he had done, but did not tell
6od«) and, if our forsaking of sin, which is a neces-
sary infpredient of saving repentance, be not for
God's sake, and from a tme respect to his will and
glory, — it is not the sorrow, the confession, the for-
saking, that accompanies salvation. We are, not-
withstanding it, but as sounding brags and tinkling
tymbaU. And, therefore, this is the main matter in
repenting. Is what I do in it, done as towards God?
Is he in the beginning, in the middle, at the end of
i(? — When ye fasted and mourned, saith he, those
seventy years, did ye at a II fast unto me, even to me?
Zcchariah vii. 5. That there should be fasting and
mourning for seventy years together, and not a jot
of it to God, how sad was this ! There is repentance
in hfll, but it is not repentance towards God, and,
therefore, it avails nothing. If the sight and sense
we have of sin drive us from God, and we pine
away in our iniquities, how should we then live?
Bat, if it bring us to God, lay us low, even at his
feet, with shame and blushing, then it is right.^ I
say, with shame and blushing, as Ezra, Ezra ix. 6.
^O my God, I am ashamed, and blush to lift up my
i face to thee, my God. It is that inward blushing of
I soul that is the colour of repentance. / abhor my-
telf, saith Job, and repent, Self-abhorrency is
; always the companion of true repentance, and it
, flows from a sight of God, in his purity and glory.
Mine eye seeth thee, therefore I abhor myself There
is the shame of a thief, when he is taken, Jeremiah
ii. 26. the ground whereof is the shameful punish-
ment he is to undergo ; and there is the ingenuous
shame of a child towards a father, when he hath
offended him, and cannot lift up his face with that
boldness as before, which is quite another thing.
Such was David's repentance, when he cries for
washing, purging, cleansing ; like one fallen in the
dirt: and, when he prays, — Open thou my lips;
Psaim 11. like one tongue-tied through guilt. I be-
lieve there is no tme penitent but what can witness
this there, where no eye hath seen, but his that sees
eveiy where, and that daily, more or less, as there
is occasion. And that is another evidence of true
lepentance, that it is constant and continual ; not
like a land-flood, but like the flowings of a spring ;
sot a single, but an abiding, habit.
With most affectionate respects, and humble ser-
vice, to your whole good self ; beseeching the Lord
b The UfredUmti of true repentance are, inward, hearty sorrow,
Zecb. lil. 10. hatred of sin, and of self because of sin, Job xlii.
& spprefaension of the mercy of Ood in Christ, Matt. iii. 2. par-
tieabr confeasioD, with shame and blushing, 1 John i. 7. a special
eye to original ain. Pa. li. &. reformation of life, Prov. xxviii. la
Heh. n. I. reatitution io case of wrong to man, Luke xi3L a P.
Henry. Orif. MS.
« Vhim a copy by the late Rev. S. Lucas, of Shrewsbury, from
the Oris. MS.
4 There are variooa signs of uprightness of heart. See Prov.
to remember both you and yours with the favour
which he bears unto his people, that you may see the
good of his cfufsen, and rejoice in the gladness of his
nation; I rest.
Sir,
Yours, obliged, to honour and serve you,
January 14, 1686-7. P. H.
To Henry Ashurst, Esq.
At his house in St. John-street,
London.^
Sir;
I had yours from Hampton this week, and rejoice
to hear of your good health, which God continue I
I shall do as you direct in the distribution of 20s.
at present to the eight widows, and shall acquaint
them with your concern in the young man you men-
tion. God, if it be his will, prevent your fears
about it! Uncertainty is written upon all things
here below, but there is an unchangeable happiness
laid up for us in the other world, and that may be
made sure. Your acknowledging God in it, as in
all your affairs, I cannot but rejoice in, as an evi-
dence of the uprightness of your heart*' towards
him. It is the life and soul of all religion. It is,
indeed, to walk with God : and includes as much
as any other scripture command in so few words ;
— In all thy ways acknowledge him. In every thing
thou dost, have an eye to him ; make his word and
will thy rule ; his glory thy end ; fetch strength
from Aim ; expect success from him ; and, in all
events that happen, which are our ways too, whe-
ther they be for us, or against us, he is to be acknow-
ledged ; that is, adored ; if prosperous, with thank-
fulness; if otherwise, with submission; as Job; —
The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath tahen, and
blessed be the name of the Lord I This is to set the
Lord always before us : to have our eyes ever towards
him. Where this is not, we are, so far, without God
in the world.
As to what you desire concerning your son, I am
heartily willing to my poor power, to serve you in
his education here, for a while, but I am afraid, by
reason of your undeserved over- valuing thoughts of
me, (wherein you would abate if you knew me
better,) lest you promise yourself that, from it,
which will not be. Should the liberty talked of
prove an open door, concerning which we are yet
ziv. 3. an upright man fears the Lord. See Prov. xvi. 17. he
depans from evil. See Ps. xix 13. he is kept back fh>m presump-
tuous sins. See Ps. xviii. 23. he is kept from his own iniquity,
and performs all duties, Luke i. 6, 7. See Prov. x 9. he walketh
surely. See Matt xix. 21. be is willing to part with any thing for
Christ. He is as good in secret as before others ; he keeps a
single eye at God's glory, 2 Cor. i. 12. To get an upright heart,
walk as always In God's sight, I Cbron. xxviii. 9. Gen. xvii. I.
It will be a comfort when you lie upon your death-bed. Isa.
xxxviii. 3. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
94
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
in the dark here, and, I perceiVe, so are they also
that are nearer you, I think, if others enter, (salv.
come) I shall be loth to stay behind ; it will be a
hindcrance to that attendance to hb teaching, which
should be, especially if he be not yet past the school
measures. And, another thing is, that he will be
alone, which will make the wheels go heavy. I
have refused several of late, and at present do not
know of any undisposed of, that will be meet for
him. It were desirable it should be one who is
rather a step before than behind him. These are
the things, at present, that offer themselves to my
thoughts concerning it, and, from mine, they come
to you, if my son have not already hinted them to
you. I suppose it will not be long ere he will be
looking homewards ; and, if so, with his help, it
will be the better done. Please to weigh it yet
further with yourself, and the Lord direct and
determine your will by his will, and that shall be
my will in the matter.
Sir, I most heartily thank both you and your good
lady, (to whom I give my humble service,) for your
very great kindness and respect to my son;* he
intimates the deep sense he hath of it, and I join
with him in the thankful acknowledgment.
I shall be glad to hear, in your next, how it is
with your younger son, and also the young man you
mention. The Lord, I trust, will be gracious. To
his mercy, grace, and peace, I recommend you and
yours ; and beg again, that I, and mine, may be
remembered of you, who am.
Sir, Yours, much obliged,
to honour, love, and serve you,
March 26, 1687. P. H.
For Henry Ashurst, Esq.
At his house in St. John-Street,
London.^]
It was in the latter end of the year 1685, when the
stream ran so very strong against the dissenters, that
Mr. Henry, being in discourse with a very great man
of the church of England,' mentioned King Charles's
indulgence in 1672, as that which gave rise to his
stated preaching in a separate assembly ; and added,
if the present King James should, in like manner,
g^ve me leave, I would do the same again. To
which that great man replied, — *' Never expect any
such thing from him ; for, take my word for it, he
hates you nonconformists in his heart.''— Truly, said
Mr. Henry, I believe it, and I think he doth not
c Matthew Henry, then in London.
f Orig. MS.
fr Most likely Dr. Lloyd. Bishop of St Asaph. See ante, p. 85.
k Dr. William Sancroft, Archbishop of Canterbury.
Dr. William Lloyd. Bishop of St Asaph.
Dr. Francis Turner, Bishop of Ely.
Dr. John Lake, Bishop of Chichester.
Dr. Thomas Kenn, Bishop of Bath and Wells.
love you of the Church of England neither. It was
then little thought that the same right reverend per-
son who said so to him, should have the honour, a&
he had soon after, to be one of the seven bishops ^
committed to the Tower by King James ; as it was
also far from any one's expectation, that the same
King James should so quickly give liberty to the
nonconformists. But we live in a world, wherein
we are to think nothing strange, nor be surprised at
any turn of the wheel of nature, as it is called.
James iii. 6.
The measures then taken by King James's court
and council were soon laid open, not only to view,
but to contempt, being in a short time, by the over-
ruling providence of God, broken and defeated.
However, the indulgence granted to dissenters in
April, 1687, must needs be a reviving to those, who,
for so many years, had lain buried in silence and re-
straint ; nor can any, who will allow themselves the
liberty of supposing the case their own, wonder that
they should rejoice in it, though the design of it
being manifest, they could not choose but rejoice
with trembling, Mr. Henry's sentiments of it were,
—Whatever men's ends are in it, I believe God's
end in it is to do us good.
There were many that said, surely the dissenters
will not embrace the liberty which is intended only
for a snare to them. Mr. Henry read and considered
the letter of advice' to the dissenters at that junc-
ture ; but concluded, — Duty is ourSy und events are
GotTs. He remembered the experience he had had
of the like in King Charles's time, and that did good,
and no hurt. And why might not this do so too ?
All power is for edification, not for destruction.^
Did Jeremiah sit still in the court of the prison,
because he had his discharge from the King of
Babylon? Nay, did not Paul, when he was per-
secuted by his countrymen for preaching the gospel,
appeal to Caesar ; and find more kindness at Rome
than he did at Jerusalem ? In short, the principle
of his conversation in the world being not fleshly wis-
dom^ or policy, but the grace of God^ and particu-
larly the grace of simplicity and godly sincerity, he
was willing to make the best of that which was, and
to hope the best of the design and issue of it.
Doubtless it was intended to introduce popery ; but
it is certain, that nothing could arm people against
popery more effectually than the plain and powerful
preaching of the gospel ; and thus, they who grant-
ed that liberty, were out-shot in their own bow,
which manifestly appeared in the event and issue.
Dr. Thomas White, Bishop of Peterborough.
Sir Jonathan Trelawny, Bishop of Bristol.
The Speech, prepared to have been spoken by the Bishop of
St. Asaph, on his trial, is preserved in Gutch's Ck>llect. Cur. v. I.
p. 369.
i Written by the Marquis orHalirax. See Neal, ut supra, v. 5. pp
42-<44.
k See2Cor. xiii. 10.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
05
they did good service to the Protestant re-
mong scholars, who wrote so many learned
gainst popery ' at that time, for which we
them our best thanks ; so they did no less
among the common people, who are the
1 and body of the nation, that preached
r good sermons to arm their hearers against
rong delusioHy which Mr. Henry, as the
the nonconformists generally did, took all
OS to do. How often would he commend his
, as Dr. Holland," Divinity Professor in
, was wont to do, to the love of God, and the
>f popery."
les his preaching professedly to discover the
nd corruptions of the church of Rome, (which
Id have taken occasion to do more fully, had
those he preached to in any immediate dan-
he infection,) there could not be a more ef-
antidote against popery, than the instructing
ifirming of people in the truth, as it u in Je-
d advancing the knowledge of, and a value
leration for, the Holy Scriptures ; to which,
ich Mr. Henry in his place did contribute,
knew him will bear record. He used to ob-
lat the fall of Babylon followed upon the free
:n preaching of the everlasting ffospel, Reve-
JUT. 6, 7. He apprehended this liberty likely
very short continuance, and to end in trou-
id, because he could not see how his not
f it would help to prevent the trouble, but
lee that his vigorous improvement of it would
prepare for the trouble, he set himself with
;ence to make the best use he could of this
both at home and abroad, on sabbath days,
;k days, to his power ; yea, and beyond his
as at this juncture that Mr. Henry had the
»s of recognizing, in his son, an ordained
r of the gospel. The occasion gave rise to
)wing letter : —
May 14, 1687.
1 Matthew ;
ice in what you heard, and saw, and felt, of
Monday last, and hope it hath left upon you
^lland. *' when be went any journey, calling the fellows
ege together, used to say to xhem.^Qmmtndo vo$ dUec-
t odu fopatu* et tmpertiUfonis.** Clarke's Man*. EccL Hist.
9pra.
\T. la We heard of the strengthening of the popish in.
ery are to have places for their worship in many great
uticularly that which was ray dear father's chamber at
trcb, must now, as they say, be a mass-house. Mrs.
)iary. Orig. MS.
At Ludlow, in Shropshire. Ob. mh March. UU-12.
h. OxoD. V. 2. p. 111. «/ npra. Brooks's Lives of the Pu-
, 2. p. 21X «/ npra.
Common Prayer Book of King Edward the Sixth, the
I thus ; — ** From the tiranny of the Bishope of Rome,
deteitable enormities, good Lord, deliver us ! 4to. 1547.
a truly indelible character, and such impressions as
no time, nor any thing else, shall be able to wear
out. Remember ; assisted by thy strength, O God,
I will ! As to the manner and circumstances of your
return, we cannot order them here, but must leave
it to yourself to do as you shall see cause, beseech-
ing the Lord, in every thing, to make your way plain
before you ; but, as to the thing itself, we rejoice in
hopes it will not be long now ere we shall see you
here, (though multa cadunt intery) and, I must not
say, be filled with your company, for this is not the
world that we must be together in. Your dear mo-
ther hath no great joy in the thoughts of your closing
with them at Chester upon the terms proposed ; her
reasons are weighty, and, in other things, have many
times swayed with me against my own, and it hath
done well. What they are in this matter, you shall
hear immediately from herself. As to your North-
ampton affair we are no little concerned about it,
making mention of it in every prayer, to our hea-
venly Father, who, we have learned, besides a com-
mon providence, [hath a special hand in such pro-
posals. Proverbs xix. 14. And we say, if you, of
all the other, should miss, it would be a grief of
mind. Genesis xxvi. 35.
The clergy in Cheshire and Shropshire are ham-
mering an address of thanks, but divers of them
will not strike. They begin to feel now for their
oaths' sake.
Our love and blessing is all here is room for.
'Eppburo ! "Epfmao \ twice ; within, without^
Mr. Matthew Henry having, shortly after the pre-
ceding letter was written, settled at Chester,? the
following was addressed to him by his father, on
another, and interesting subject: —
July, 1687.
Son Matthew ;
I am very much concerned that two si!ch g^eat
affairs are, at this time, met together upon your
hand, — ^that of the next sabbath, and that of the
week after. You know which of the two should fill
you most, and I hope it will accordingly ; and, if it
do, you may the more comfortably expect a blessing
e p. Henry. Orig. BiS.
P Urbs Legionuro, its primeval name.
Where many a Roman toil'd ; where many a brow
Has grac'd a mitre ; 'twas a kingdom once,
And now a County Palatine ; all that's rare
In army, navy, church, and state, dwells here
In miniature. But, most of all revered
For that great name, a valiant Philip's son,
J^/Mer tAan ht of Maeedon : for grace
Jdakes heroes, such as Plutarch never knew.
As Homer never sung ; to courts unknown.
While Matthew Henry in his " Comment " lives,
Chester can never die.
See the Select Remains of the late Rev. Ebenezer White of
Chester, p. 152. duod. 1812.
96
THE LIFE OF MR PHILIP HENRY.
upon the other ; for, ever since I knew any thing in
those matters, I have found it tnie, that, when I have
been most careful in doing God's work, God hath
been most faithful in doing mine.*' I have not
sealed, but subscribed, a draught of articles with
Mr. Hardware/ We were together yesterday at
each place ; and, upon Tiew, found every thing, not
worse, but rather better, than represented. As to a
time and place of sealing, I would meet half way
on Monday, but Wednesday being the first day
appointed at Hanmer, I must needs attend that. If
you would not think it too long to defer till the week
after, that is, to the 19th instant, I should hope, by
that time, (your next sabbath work, and your War-
rington journey, and our engagements here, being
all over,) there would be much more of clearness
and freeness, without hurry, as to each circum-
stance ; but I must not move it, however, not insist
upon it, lest the heart be made sick ;* therefore do
as you see cause, only in every thing take God
along with you,' and do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus.
Give my kind respects to , your good
friend, whom I hope to call by another name
shortly. The Lord bless you both, and first fit you
for, and then give you to, each other, in much
mercy! Amen.^
To resume the narrative.] The great .subject of
debate at this time in the nation, was, concerning
the repeal of penal laws and tests. Mr. Henry's
thoughts were, as to the penal laws, that, if those
against the dissenters were all repealed, he would
rejoice in it, and be very thankful both to God and
man ; for he would sometimes say, without reflection
upon any, he could not but look upon them as a
national sin ; and, as for those against the papists,
if our law-givers see cause to repeal them in a
regular way ; I will endeavour, saith he, to make
the best of it, and to say,— The will of the Lord be
done!
When King James came his progress into that
country, in August, 1687,* to court the compliments
of the people, Mr. Henry joined with several others,
in and about Whitchurch, Nantwich, and Wem, in
an address to him, which was presented when he lay
q God saith to us, as a king laici to a nobleman who desired to
leave the court that be might provide for some that relied upon
him : " Do my work," mid the king, " and I will do thine." Ca-
naan's Flowings. by Ralph Venning, duod. 1658, p. 351.
r Miss Hardware, of Moldsworth, was Mr. Matthew Henry's
first wife. See his Life by Tong, v/ iwpra, p. 101, ice.
• See Prov. xili, 12.
t Mr. Matthew Henry vras married July 19. See Tong's Life of
Mr. M. Henry, chap. iii. ut supra.
n P. Henry. Orlg. MS. Addressed to Mr. Matthew Henry at
Moldsworth.
▼ In the former editions of the Life, the royal visit is stated to
have been in September. This no doubt was a mistake. The
last visit made to Uie ancient town of Shrewsbury, by its sove-
reign, was on the 25th of Auput, [1687.] The King, James the
at Whitchurch ; the purport of which was, not to
sacrifice their lives and fortunes to him and to his
interest, but only to return him thanks for the liberty ,
they had, with a promise to demean themselves
quietly in the use of it.
Some time after, commissioners were sent abroad ;
into the country, to inquire after the trouble the
dissenters had sustained by the penal laws ; and how
the money that was levied upon them was disposed
of, little of it being found paid into the Exchequer ;
they sent to Mr. Henry, to have an account from him
of his sufferings ; he returned answer, by letter, that
he had indeed been fined some years before, for a
conventicle, and distrained upon, and his goods
carried away ; which all the country knew, and to
which he referred himself. But, being required to
give a particular account of it upon oath, though he
said he could be glad to see such instruments of
trouble legally removed, yet he declined giving any
further information concerning it ; having, as he
wrote to the commissioners, long since, from his
heart, forgiven all the agents, instruments, and occa-
sions of it ; and having purposed never to say any
thing more of it.
It was on Tuesday, June 14, 1681, that he was
disturbed at Weston in Shropshire, when he was
preaching on Psalm Ixvi. 18. and on Tuesday, June
14, 1687, that day six years, he preached there again
without disturbance, finishing what he was then pre-
vented from delivering, concerning prayer, and going
on to verse 19, 20 Buf, verily, God hath heard
me, blessed be God, concerning the duty of thanks-
giving. This seventh year of their silence and re-
straint, proved, through God's wonderful good pro-
vidence, the year of release.
[Some admirable letters to Mr. Ashurst will carry
the year to its close, and cannot fail to impress the
reader with the writer's accomplishments as a Chris-
tian, a divine, and a gentleman.
Sir;
September 2, 1687.
My sabbath subject was. Acts xi. 21. — The hand
of the Lord was unth them : and a great number be-
lieved, and turned unto the Lord, In this I shall
acquaint you, the subject being the same, with the
Second, passed a day there, and kept his court at the council
house ; and, during his stay, the conduits ran with wine. ScMne
Account of the Ancient and Present State of Shrewsbury, pp. 53,
515.
In unison with the above statement is the following extract from
the Diary of Mrs. Savage :—
"1687. Friday, August 26, the king came into Whitchurch.
James the Second, in bis progress to Chester ; great flocking to see
him. Lord, order all consultations and actions for glory to thy
name!
" Tuesday. 1 went to Whitchurch to see His Majesty in his re-
turn from Chester ; saw him only in his coach ; desired heartily
to pray that be were as good as he is great." Mrs. Savage. Diary.
Orig.MS
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
97
Ikeads of what was then spoken, after my plain,
eoantiy manner. The preachers here were such as
kid been scattered by persecution after the death of
Stephen, Acts viii. which scattering was intended
by the devil, and wicked men, for hurt to the church ;
bat God turned it for good, as he often does, and
we ourselyes have had experience of it. It was like
flie scattering of seed, or salt, whereby more were
seasoned. It seems, then, that the hand of the Lord
may be with us, when the hand of man is ag^nst
us. Preachers disowned and persecuted by worldly
powers, may be owned and blessed in their labours,
by the Crod of Heaven. The place was Antioch,
where these converts were, the first that took the
honoarable and sweet name of Christians. At An-
tioch, not at Rome. If Christians should own one
ptoce more than another, as the mother church of all
churches, inethinks it should be that, rather, where
they first had their name. The preaching was Jesus.
They preached the Lord Jesus, and then the hand of
the Lord was with them. We are then most likely
to have the hand of the Lord with us, in our preach-
ing, when we preach Jesus.* Not when we preach
ourselves ; but when we preach Jesus, and ourselves
yemr servants for Jesus' sake. By the hand of the
Lord with them, is meant, the Lord himself, accord-
ing to his promise, Matthew xxvii. 20. Lo! I am
with ffou. He assisted them in their preaching;
made way for the word into the hearts of those that
heard it ; gave it the setting on there : and this is
always all in all. If the hand of the Lord be not
with the preachers, there will be no believing, no
taming, among the people ; for faith is the gift of
God :-— Unto you it is given to believe ; — Turn thou
«e, and I shall be turned, A great number believed.
Sometimes God is pleased to enlarge his hand, in
the conversion of many, by the ministry of the word ;
not a fish or two, but whole shoals, caught in the net
of the gospel. Oh, that it might be so at this day !
Your love to souls, I know, will say, Amen !
To believe, has three things in it; — 1. Assent to
vhat is spoken, as true, either from the evidence of
the tiling itself, or upon the account of the veracity
of him that speaketh it 2. Application of it to my-
lelf ; I must look upon myself as concerned in it,
tod say, '* Thb belongs tome.'' 3. Answerable affec-
tions and actions, according as the thing is that is
spoken. Without this, my believing is nothing. Noah
believed, and feared, Hebrews xi. The devils believe,
and trtwUfle, James ii. If one tell me the house is
falling, and I believe it, I shall fear, and run out of
it ; or, that there is a pot of gold hid in such a place,
and I may have it for digging for it, if I believe, I
V See Somon, nuth in Christ inferred, &c. pott.
s To believe in Jetut Christ for salvation is to come to him.
Matt zi. i8. John vi. 37 ; v. 40. By unbelief, we depart flromhim.
Heb. iii 13. It is to lean upon him. Cant viii. 5. forsaking all
other leaoiQf -stocks whitever. It is to look upon liim. JohniiJ.
H
shall dig. Now, there are, among many others, four
great truths revealed in the word of God, the belief
whereof, such a belief as hath in it the three things
before mentioned, doth always accompany conver-
sion and salvation. —
1. That a sinful condition is a miserable condi-
tion. That it is so, is certainly true ; thou art wretch-
ed and miserable, under the curse of God, liable to
all miseries. But do we believe it ; that is, assent
to it ; and that with application ? I am the man ;
sinful, and therefore miserable. And are we there-
upon afraid, brought under a spirit of bondage?
And doth that fear set upon serious inquiries, *' What
shall we do to get out of it ?'* If so, so far is well.
2. That Jesus Christ is ordained of God to be
Prince and Saviour ; that he is able and willing to
save, to save even to the uttermost. Do we assent to
this, iiAs faithful saying? And do we apply it? " He
is able and willing to save me.'' And are we suit-
ably affected thereunto? And do we act accordingly ?
Come to him, close with him, accept of him, as he
is offered to us in the gospel.* If so, we are be-
lievers ; and, if believers, then the sons of God, justi-
fied by that faith, at peace with God, and heirs of
heaven. And to that also we must assent, with
application, and be affected, and act accordingly ;
rejoicing always with joy unspeakable, and abounding
always in the work of the Lord.
3. The absolute necessity of an holy heart, and
an holy life. That we must be new creatures, or we
cannot enter the New Jerusalem ; bo9m again, or we
cannot see the kingdom of God, That we must deny
all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this world, if ever we mean
to be happy in another world. Do we believe this ;
that is, assent to it? Is it not plain in the word of
God, written there as with a sun-beam, so that he
who runs may read? But do we apply it? I must be
regenerated ; if I be not, I shall not be saved. My
civility and moral honesty, my profession and out-
ward form of godliness, will not serve my turn ; — I
must put off the old man, and put on the new. And
doth there follow suitable affection and action ? Do
I love the word as a regenerating word ? Do I pray
for and receive the Spirit, as a regenerating Spirit ?
Do I set myself, in the use of all God's appointed
means, to the great work of crucifying the flesh, with
all the affections and lusts, — walking in all the com-
mandments of the Lord blameless ? This is believing.
4. The certainty and reality of future rewards
and punishments. That there is another life after
this, and that it is to be a life of retribution ; that,
as sure as there is an earth which we tread upon, so
14, 15. L«ok unto mi, and ht y# taved. It is to receive, and accept of
him, as he is offered in the promise, to be Lord and King, as well
as Priest and Saviour; giving ourselves to him unreservedly.
2 Cor. viii. 5. Hos. iiL 3 : P. Henry. Orig. MS.
98
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
sure there is an hell under it, a place of eternal tor-
ments ; so sure as there is an outward heaven, which
our eyes see, so sure there is another heaven beyond
it, a fixed state of everlasting blessedness. Are
these things so ? Certainly they are ; for the mouth
of the Lord hath spoken it. No room is left for doubt-
ing. But will one of these be our place shortly ?
Certainly it will. I must ; I ; even I, be, ere long,
either in hell miserable, or in heaven happy. Oh,
then, how should I be affected ? How should I act ?
Should I not fear that place of torment, and fly from
it? Make sure that place of happiness, and rejoice
always in the hope of it ; having my conversation
there ; ^ laying up treasure there ? This is believing.
The same may be said in reference to every other
truth of God; precept, promise, threatenings. There
are quarter-believers, and half-believers ; but the
te^o/e-believer is he that assents, applies, is affected,
and acts according to what he says he believes.
Now the good Lord work this belief in all our
hearts, fulfilling in us all the good pleasure of his
goodness and this work of faith with power,* Amen,
Sir;
Your continued kind acceptance is still my encou-
ragement to perform this monthly service to you,
wishing I could do it better to your soul's advantage
and edification. The grace of faith is, indeed, the
g^ce of all graces. 1 . The grace that God hath most
honoured in making it, — whether the condition or
the instrument,— I am sure, the means of our justi-
fication, reconciliation, acceptation, salvation. Of
all graces, faith doth most abase the creature, and
lift up God ; it is a self-emptying and a God-ad-
vancing grace; and therefore, of all graces, God
doth most advance and lift up faith ; for so is the
word that he hath spoken. Those that honour me, I
7 I find ray heart inclined to things below, and am sensible, in
some measure, what a dishonour it is to God, and what a wrong
to myseir, and fain I would that it might be otherwise.
Get to know the nature of earthly things, common things, such
as a man may abound in, and perish everlastingly. They are
empty things, that will not satisfy-, vexing things, vtxatiott of
spirit. Labour for a serious, practical knowledge of this. Beg of
God to give you a sight of their vanity and emptiness. Look
into the word. Prov. xxiii. 5. Isa. Iv. 2. Matt. vi. 24. John vi. 27.
I Tim. vi. 0, 10. Ecclesiastes. Observe and improve your own
crosses and disappointments, and the crosses and disappointments
of others. The voice of these dispensations is,— Cease from the
world, the men of the world, the things of the world. Consult
with dying men, and see what account they will give you of
earthly things.
Actuate this knowledge by meditation, and do it often. There
is no duty more profltable.— none more neglected.
Study the nature and necessities of thy soul. Thou hast a soul
that is greatly in want, a poor, though precious, soul ; it wants
pardon of sin, wants peace with God, wants his image, wants his
grace, wants his Spirit. And can the world furnish these! No.
Mic. vi. 6, 7.
Look beyond this to another world. Will these things avail
there ! No. Tis not getting more, but making use of what we
have, that will then avail. Luke xvi. 9. 2 Cor. iv. 18.
Cast thy care upon the Lord ; if thou art a believer, he careth
for thee. I Pet. v. 7.
will honour. 2. The grace that of all graces we do
live by; for the just shall live by faith, Habakkuk
ii. 4. than which, I think, there is scarce any one
passage in the Old Testament more often quoted in
the New ; and good reason, for it is the marrow of
the gospel. We live by faith, 1. Spiritually, as to
justification, sanctification, consolation; in which
three stands our spiritual life. We are justified by
faith) Romans v. 1. Acts xiii. 39. justified from the
guilt of sin, the curse of the law, and the damnation
of hell. In the want of which justification, we are
but dead men, that is, under a sentence of death ;
so that in that sense, by faith we live ; we live by
it as we are made just by it ; the just, by faith, shall
live. We are sanctified by faith, Acts xxvi. 18. as,
by it we receive the spirit of sanctification, who finds
us dead in trespasses and sins, as to our spiritual
state, and then breathes into us the breath of spi-
ritual life, whereby we become living souls, alive to
God through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are com-
forted by faith, Romans xv. 13. and that comfort is
our life, 1 Thessalonians iii. 8. Now we live, that
IS, now we are comforted, if ye stand fast in the
Lord: non est vivere sed valere vita. Faith comforts
as it applies the promises, which promises are our
breasts of consolation, at which the believing soul
sucks and is satisfied. And there are two of them,
one concerning the things of the life that now is, the
other concerning the things of that which is to come ;
for godliness haih both, and hath need of both, in order
to comfort, upon one occasion or other, every day.
They are also called well-springs of salvation, and,
as such, faith is the bucket by which we draw water
from those wells. If the well be deep, as good no
well as no bucket ; so, as good no promise as no
faith. 2. As we live spiritually * by faith in all these
three great concernments of our spiritual life, so we
Be acquainted with the reality and excellency of heavenly
things. Heb. xi. 1. John iv. 10. Earthly-minded men are like
moles, they live in the earth, and so are blind as to spiritual
things; they see no beauty in holiness, no comelinesi in Jesus
Christ.
Learn to spiritualize earthly things. It is our sin and misery
that earthly thoughts mix themselves when we are employed in
spiritual duties ; it were our profit and advantage if heavenly
thoughts might as often mix themselves, and t>e as welcome, when
we are employed in worldly affkirs.
Choose as much as may be to be in heavenly company. Com-
pany is of a transforming nature. Prov. xxii. 24, 35. 1 John i. 2, a
Be often discoursing of things above.
Labour to tread in the steps of those who have gone before us
in heaven's way. Phil. iii. 17, &c. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
I Evan. Mag. v. 3. p. 376.
a Spiritual life is an inward principle in the soul of a believer,
arising from his union with Jesus Christ. The following are signs
of such a life:— The knowledge of God and Christ, John xvii. 3.
—Growth in grace and knowledge, John xv. 2.— Fftith in JesM
Christ, John vi. 47.^Heavenly mindedness, CoL iii. 1. 2. Rom.
vi. 11.— Spiritual sense ; of sin, the first risings of it Rom. vii. 24.
the sins of others, 2 Pet. ii. 7, 8. of the withdrawings of God's
presence, Ps. xxii. 1. of the afflictions of God's people, Jer. ix. I.
Neh. i. 4, &c. 1 John iii. 14.— Speech; to God in prayer. Gal. iv.6.
Acts ix. II. Zech. xii. 10. for God.— Appetite, 1 Pet. ii. 2.— Care for
self-preservation, Job ii. 4. comp. I Pet. ii. 7.— Desires to com-
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
99
live oar life in the flesh by the faith of the Son of
God, Galatians ii. 20.^ He means his life of con-
rersation in the world ; for, that is the life that he
liyed then in the flesh. We walk hy faith, not by
tight, — not as glorified saints do in heaven by imme-
diate vision, — nor by carnal sight, as the men of the
world, who look only at the thinys that are teen with
bodily eyes, — ^but by faith. So that faith is a prin-
ciple of living quite different from the one and from
the other. It is far short of living by heavenly vision,
bat it is infinitely above and beyond the life of carnal
reason, which men, as men, live. In the ordinary
tetums and off air t of life, I. It is by faith and no
otherwise, that we set the Lord alwayt before u$, and
•ee him that is invisible. And what influence that
hath upon the conversation, to make it what it should
be, they can best tell that have tried. 2. It b by
fidth, and no otherwise, that we close with the word
of €k>d as our rule and square, by which we regulate
and order our conversation. The commandments
are to be believed. Psalm cxix. 66. as well as the
promises. 3. It is by faith that we fetch strength
from the Lord Jesus, for the doing of what we have
to do every day in every thing, for without him we
can do nothing, 4. It is by faith, that we look at the
reeomprnce of reward, which makes us lively and
cheerful in our obedience, both active and passive ;
forasmuch at we hnow our labour thall not be in vain
ta the Lord. And then for life eternal, as we look
at it by faith, so by faith it is that we have title to
it ; he that believes shall be saved. Whosoever believes
ihall not perith, but have ev^lasting life. We are all
the children of God by faith in Jesus Chritt. And if
children then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with
Chritt, of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and
that fadeth not away.^ If all this be true of faith,
and not the one half hath been told you, then there
is good reason why it should be called /TreciotM/aith.
It closes with a precious Christ, and to them only
that believe is he precious. It embraces precious
promises, and it saves precious souls. Is Christ our
■ c = ,
manicate, 1 John i. h 3, 3.— Art thou alive 1 live at a higher rate
tban others, I Cor. iii. a— Art thou dead? make haste to Christ,
^ V- 14.— He complains. Ye will not come to me that ye might
tevelife, John v, 40. For encouragement to come to Christ, he
raised three to life In the gospel, -one in the chamber, secret
anners,— another in the street, open 8inners,~a third buried, dead
four days, aged sinners. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
b See a sermon by P. Henry, on these words. Eighteen Ser-
motts, 9t smpra. p. 144.
c There are evideneet oX saving (kith. Faith, however, is the best
evidence of itself, 1 John v. 10. as we know that the sun shines by
its own light The following are evidences.— A new nature, Acts
xxvL 18.~ Heart parity. Acts xv. 9. at least begun and laboured
after.— A low esteem of earthly things, Phil. iii. 8. a high esteem
of Christ, 1 Pet. Ii. 7.— Joy in tribulaUon, Acu xYi.25, &c. Rom. v.
L 1 I Pet I. 7. Hab. iii. 17, 18.-Reliance upon God for things
of this life, as well as of heaven.— How came we by our faith !
Did it come by hearing! Rom. x. 17.— Did it begin in doubting t
What fruit doth it bear! James ii. 14, &c. Oal. v. 6.— Self-denial,
Luke Tii. 6, 7, 9.— Fear of offending.— A true believer reckons it
the hardest thins in the world to believe. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
H 2
all in all? So, in a sense, is faith our all in all.
Oh, faith, (but that also must be taken with a grain
of salt,) thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory ; not thine to rest with thee, but thine to hand
to him, whose it is. Amen.
Your son shall be truly welcome here at the time
you mention, and I shall think it long till it come.
As to the late access made to your estate, much good
may it do you, that is, much good may you do with
it, which is the true good of an estate. Lady War-
wick ^^ would not thank him that would give her
£1000 a year, and tie her up from doing good with
it. I rejoice in the large heart which God hath
given you with your large estate, without which
heart, the estate would be your snare. As to your
purposed kindness to me, yuu will call me unkind
if I refuse it; but as to the quantity, let it be as
little as you please, for it cannot be too little where
so little is deserved, as is by
September 28, 1687.
Your Servant.
My most humble service is to your worthy lady,
and to your son and daughter with you, whom God
bless.
For Henry Ashurst Esq.
At his house in St. John Street,
London.*
Sir;
October 28, 1687.
Yet further concerning the grace of faith. Be-
sides that it is that by which we live,— as of Christ
it is said, who is our /i/e,— so we may say of faith,
in a different sense, it is our life. As Paul says, to
me to live is Chritt ; so we may say, to us to live is
to believe. I say, besides this, there are four great
things said in Scripture concerning faith, which
deserve a particular consideration. 1. It purifies
the heart ; ^ purifying their heartt by faith. Faith
is a heart-purifying grace, elsewhere called, purging
the contcience from dead workt, Hebrews ix. 14.
It is done by the blood of Chritt, who, through the
d See a sermon at the Tunerall of the Countesse of Warwick.
By Anthony Walker, D. D. duod. 1680. Also Memoirs of Emi-
nently Pious Women, v. 1. p. 109. oct. 1815. She died A. D. 1678.
• P. Henry. Orig. MS. Part of this letter was printed in the
Evan. Mag. v. a p. 36&
f Means are to be used to get and keep a pure heart. We must
l»e sensible of our impurity, Prov. xxx. la.— Pray for a clean heart,
Ps. Ii. : it is promised, Ezek. zxxvi. i5. 26.— Be frequent in self-
examination.— Beware of other men's sins, i Tim. v. 22.— Abstain
from all appearance of evil, 1 Thess. v. 22, 231— Act faith. This is
a heart-purifying grace, Acts xv. 9. it interests us in the blood of
Christ, and that cleanses, 1 John i. 7. Zech. xit. 1. by it we receive
the Spirit ; by it we apply the promises, 2 Pet. i. 3, 4. Attend
upon the ordinances, John xv. 3. xvii. n. Titus, iii. 5.— Improve
your baptism, it is a cleansing ordinance.— AflBictions, when
sanctified, are means of cleansing.— WatchfVilness, Ps. cxix. |9.
We must take heed where we tread. We are in the light, and
must walk as children of the light ; carefully ; cleanly. P. Henry
Orig. MS.
100
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
Eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God,
meritoriously, and, by faith, instrumental ly. Christ's
blood is the water of purification, the true and only
water, and faith is as the bunch of hyssop, dipped
in it, and so purging the conscience, that is, paci-
fying it in reference to the guilt contracted, quiet-
ing the mind as to the pardon and forgiveness of it
before God, which nothing else can do. AH the
legal purifyings prescribed by the law of Moses,
availed nothing as to this ; it is done by faith only,
and, therefore, the Gentiles, which is the scope of
that place, ought not to be obliged by circumcision
to those ceremonial observances, seeing there was
another nearer and better way to that blessed end,
and that was, by believing. We may also, by puri-
fying the heart, understand the work of sanctifica-
tion, wherein faith is greatly instrumental; but 1
conceive the other the design of the place. 2. It
works by lovCy Galatians v. 6. It is a working
grace ; if it be idle, and work not, it is not genuine
faith. And how works it? By love. Love in the
full extent and latitude of it ; the love of God, and
the love of our neighbour, which two are the fulfil-
ling of the law ; so that to work by love, is to work
by universal obedience, which obedience b worth
nothing further thdn love hath a hand in it, and
love stirs not further than faith acts it. He that
believes the love of Christ for poor sinners, in dying
for them, with particular application to himself, <
cannot but find his heart constrained thereby, more
or less, according as the belief is, to love him ag^n,
and out of love to him to keep his conmiandments.
Do we find love cold? It is because faith is weak.
Do we love little ? Our belief is little. Therefore,
when a hard duty was enjoined, which is that of
loving and forgiving enemies, — Lord, say the dis-
ciples, increase our faith ; intimating, without more
faith, it would not be possible. The more strongly
and stedfastly we believe that Christ loved us when
we were enemies to him, the more frequently and
freely, readily and cheerfully, we shall forgive our
brother, who is become an enemy unto us. 3. It
overcomes the world, 1 John v. 4. This is the vic-
tory, thai overcometh the world, even our faith ;•*
where, by world, is meant, especially, its smiles and
frowns; they are both as nothing to us, have no
power or pre valency with us, so as to draw or drive
us from our Christian course, as long as we keep
faith alive and active,— either upon the past great
things that our great Redeemer hath done and suf-
fered for us ; or upon the future invisible realities
of the other world, that crown and kingdom which
he hath set before us, and made over to us. 4. It
quQnches all the fiery darts of the wicked, Ephe-
r See Memoirs of the Life of the Rev. James Her?ey, by the
Rev. J. Brown, p. 57. kc. 3d ed. 1888. .
k See the substance of a sermon by VLtr P. Henry, on these
words, in the Evan. Mag. v. xxnl p. 314.
sians vi. 16. that is, the devil and all his instru^
ments ; all the temptations o<r which kind soever,
wherewith, at any time, they may assault us, they
are quenched by faith, lose their hurtful keenness,
and wound us not. But then that faith must be not
in habit only, but in act and exercise ; as a shield,
not hanging up, but in the hand. Oh that to us,
then, it might be given always to believe! How much
better would it be with us, on this four-fold account,
had we more faith !
As to the truth of the matter whereof you desire
an account, it was this ; what reports are concerning
it I know not. When I had read the address, the
words which the King spoke' were to this pur-
pose.— Gentlemen, I perceive you have been your-
selves sufferers for your consciences, and, therefore,
I cannot but look upon you as men of conscience,
and take it for granted, you will be ready to do
what is fit to be done for the ease both of yourselves
and others in that case, when there is a Parliament
For my part, I shall be ready to do what lies in me,
and I hope, so will you. You desire me to con-
tinue your liberty, and I promise you I will as long
as I live, and could be well contented, it might be
as secure to you by law, as your Magna Charta is.
Q, What persuasion are you of ? Are you for the
congregational way ?
A. No, Sir, we are not for the congregational
way.
Q. What then are you for?
A. We are for a moderate presbytery.
Q, Are you all so hereabouts ?
A. There are few dissenters, if any, hereabouts,
that differ from us in that matter.
This was all that was spoken, as far as I can
remember ; after which, he gave each of us (in all
eight, whereof two were ministers) his hand to kiss,
and so went his way.
Sir, I received your extraordinary kind token,
and return you my most humble, hearty thanks for
it. It hath no fault but that it is too good. Last
week, another of your praying widows . went to
rest, a very choice flower in our small garden.'^
Most humble service to your whole self, &c.
P. H.'
For Henry Ashurst, Esq.
At his house in St. John-street,
London.
Sir;
The nature, excellency, and usefulness of the
grace of faith, is the subject concerning which I do
yet owe you a further account of my poor thoughts.
And, oh ! that I, while I am writing, and you also,
i See mitt p. 96.
k See Sol. Song. iv. 12 ; v. 1. Ps. xcii. 13.
1 Orig. MS.
f
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
101
wbile yon are reading, might each of us find,
Uuoagh the powerful working of the Spirit in us,
an increase of that grace, that precious grace, tLat
we may b^ strong in believing, giving glory to God,
and that our consolations may be strong also ; for
as the faith is weak or strong, so the comfort is.
Faith is the eye of the soul, by which we look unto
Ckiistv as the poor stung Israelites did to the brazen
Bopent, lifted up upon the pole, and thereby receive
a cure from him ; but, as Paul saithin another case,
1 Corinthians xii. 14. the body is not one member
but many, so faith is not one member but many.
If the whole body were an eye, where were the
hearing? Terse 17. So if faith were our eye only,
and nothing else, what should wc do for other in-
struments of spiritual life and motion? Behold,
therefore, how faith, besides being our eye, is our
FOOT, by which we come to Christ; an expression
often used in Scripture, e, g, Matthew xi. 28. Come
onto me, that is, believe in me. John vi. 37. Him
tUi c&metk vnto me, that is, that beiieveth in me, /
will in no wise cast out. By unbelief we depart
from the living God, Hebrews iii. 12. By faith we
eooie to him by Christ, ib, vii. 25. And without him
there is no coming, for he is the way, the true, and
liring, and only way ; all that are out of him are
oot of the way. It is our hand also, by which we
receive him, John i. 12. To as many as received him,
tot kern gave he power to become the sons of God , even
to them that believe on his name ; where believing
is the same with receiving. In the gospel, God
offers him to us, freely and g^ciously, to be our
Prince and Saviour, to be the Lard our righteous-
issj to redeem us from iniquity, and to purify us
to himself. When we do heartily, by faith, close
vith that offer, and accept of him to be ours, he
becomes ours : we have union with him, relation to
him, and benefit by him. But then, there is another
act of faith put forth at the same time by another
hand, which is the giving act, whereby we give
ouselves to him to be his, to love him, and serve
him, and live to him. O Lord, saith David, / am
Hkff servmnt, truly I am thy servant. Psalm cxvi. 16.
Tkey gawe their ownselves unto the Lord, 2 Corin-
thians viii. 5. Without this our receiving is not
Hgfat. There is a faith that is one-handed, receives,
bat gives not ; this will not save. They that come
to Christ for rest, and receive Christ, must take his
yoke upon them, and learn of him."" It is the
HouTH of the soul, by which we feed upon him, and
kre nourished by him. John vi. Except ye eat his
fUsk, mnd drinh his blood, that is, believe in him, as
it is there explained, ye cannot be saved. And this
of aU the rest doth in the most lively manner re-
present to us what it is to believe. To believe, is
■i Sec the WorU oTBisbop Cowper, foL 1429. p.eoi.
• Sec Phil. L sa
when a poor soul, being made sensible of its lost and
undone condition by sin, doth earnestly desire, as
they do that are hungry, and thirsty, after a Saviour.
Oh for a righteousness, wherein to appear before
God ! Oh for a pardon for what is past ! Oh for
grace and strength to do so no more! And hearing,
by the report of the gospel, and believing that
report, that all this, and a great deal more, is to be
had in Christ; the next request is, — Oh for that
Christ ! Oh, that that Christ might be mine ! Why,
he is thine, man, if thou wilt accept of him ! Accept
of him ! Lord, I accept of him. Then feed upon
him. His flesh is meat indeed, his blood is drink in-
deed. Oh, taste and see that he is gracious. How
sweet are his promises ! What inward refreshment
doth the soul find by his suffering and dying to re-
deem, and save ! How is it thereby strengthened,
as by bread, and made glad, as by wine ! We must
and do each of us eat for ourselves, and drink for
ourselves. My eating will not refresh another, nor
strengthen another ; neither will my believing. The
just shall live by his faith, his own faith. Other
creatures die to make food for our bodies, and to
maintain natural life ; but then we must take them,
and eat them, and digest them, and having done so,
they turn into nourishment to us, and so become
ours, that they and we cannot be parted again. It
is so in believing. Christ died to make food for our
souls ; and not thereby to maintain only, but to give
spiritual life, which other food doth not to the body.
But then we must take him, and eat him, and digest
him, that is, make a particular application of him
to ourselves, and, having done so, nothing shall,
nothing can, separate us from him. Oh that unto
us itmight be more and more given, thus to believe !"
Sir, I thank you most heartily, as for your last
great kindness, (had it been coarser it would have
been fitter for me,) so for your aflTectionate inquiry
after my poor children. I bless God, they are all
yet, both married and unmarried, oujr comfort and
joy. Bless God with me that it is so, and pray that
it may be more and more so, especially that my son
may be still owned and blessed in his great work !
My most humble service to your good lady, and
dear children, with you. The Mediator's blessing
be upon them. Upon the 8th instant, there was a
public ordination in the meeting-house at Warring-
ton in your Lancashire; the ordainers six, the
ordained six, with solemn fasting and prayer, where
much of God was seen.
November 25, 1687.
For Henry Ashurst, Esq.
At his house in St. John-street,
London.®
o p. Henry. Orig. BUS. See the Evan. Blag. ?. 8. y. <iaA.
102
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
Sir;
This once more concerning the grace of faith. As
it is tliat by which we live, so it is that by which
also we must die, if we will die well. There is no
dying well without it. Hebrews xi. 13. These all
died in faith ; meaning Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abra-
ham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, spoken of before, who
all died well, who all died believing. To die well,
is to die safely, comfortably, profitably.
1. Safely. He dies safely, whose spiritual state
and condition is good ; who is a new creatvre ; bom
again ; reconciled to God ; whose sins are forgiven ;
whose person is justified. Death hath no hurt in it
to such an one : it shall be well with him for ever.
Now, without believing, there is none of all this.
It is faith that justifies ; it is faith that sanctifies.
There is no adoption, no reconciliation, no accepta-
tion, and, consequently, no salvation, without it.
He that helieveth not, is condemned already ; the law
condemns him, though the sentence be not yet
actually passed upon him.
2. Comfortably. These two may be, and often
are, parted. How many die safely who do not die
comfortably ; whose sun sets under a cloud. And
whence is it? They are of little faith, and, therefore,
they doubt; and, therefore, they are not comforted ;
they are not filled with joy and peace, for want of
believing. Such kind of dying brings an evil
report, like that of the evil spies, upon the good
ways of the Lord ; causes them to be ill thought of,
and ill spoken of. If religion will not bear us out,
and bear us up, at the last cast, in a dying hour, what
is it good for ? There are degrees of this comfort in
dying. All that have it, have it not alike ; some have
more, some less. There is such a thing as dying trium-
phantly, which is putting into harbour with full-
spread sails ;P when an abundant entrance is admi-
nistered unto us into the everlasting kingdom. And
it is according as the faith is.
There are six things, the firm belief whereof will
exceedingly promote our comfort in dying : —
1 . That, at what time soever, and in what way
soever, death comes, it comes by the will and ap-
pointment of our heavenly Father. He cuts no com
of his down till it is fully ripe, Job v. 26. Reve-
lations xi. 7.
2. That death hath no sting in it to them that are
in Christ Jesus ; and therefore, though it may hiss
at us, we need not fear it. -The brazen serpent had
the form of a serpent, which is affrighting, but it
hurt none; it healed the believing looker on it.
P See " InviBible Realities demonstrated in tbe Holy Life and
Triumphant Death of Mr. John Janeway, Fellow of King's Col-
lege, Cambridge." duod. 16da A new edition was published in
1815, with a Preface by the Rev. R. HalL
q Let him be afraid to die that is afraid of going to heaven. Mr.
Henry. Palmer's Nonoon. Mem. v. 3. p. 490.
r See a Sennon at tbe Funeral of Lady Anne Waller, by Ed-
mund Calamy, B. D. 4ta 1662.
How doth Paul exult over death and the grave !
1 Corinthians xv. 56.
3. That, to them that fear the Lord, immediately
beyond death is heaven,i Luke xvi. 25. now, now,
he is comforted; Philippians i. 23. No sooner
dissolved, but presently with Christ. Where this
is believed, witli application, there cannot but be
comfort.' Were the soul to be no more, or to sleep
till the last day, or to go, for nobody knows how
long, to a popish purgatory, what comfort could we
have in dying? But, if the last moment on earth be
the first moment in heaven, how sweet is that !
4. That the body will certainly rise again a glo-
rious body ; — it is sown in weakness, and dishonour,
and corruption ; it shall be raised in power, and
glory, incorruptible ; — even this body. Yours, and
mine, now crazed and sickly, hereafter shall be like
the glorified body of Jesus Christ, or like the tun
shining in its brightness,
5. That God will certainly take care of poor dis-
consolate relations left behind, Psalm xxvii. 10.
Jeremiah xlix. 11. *' He that feeds the young
ravens will not suffer the young Herons to starve,"
as godly Mr. Heron said to his wife on his death-
bed.* This helped to make Jacob's death comfort-
able to him, Genesis xlviii. 21. Joseph's, Genesis
1.24.
6. That God will certainly accomplish and fulfil,
in due time, all the great things that he hath pur-
posed and promised concerning his church and
people in the latter days ; as, that Babylon shall
fall ; the Jews and Gentiles be brought in ; the
gospel kingdom more and more advanced ; divi-
sions healed. Oh ! how have some rejoiced, and
even triumphed, in a dying hour, in the firm belief
of these things ! As Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's
day, now past, and died in the faith of it, so may
we as to another day of his, which is yet to come,
before and besides the last day.
3. To die profitably is a step beyond dying com-
fortably ; I mean, to die so as to do good to those
that are about us in dying. To die so as to convince
them of sin, and convert them from it ; which is to
die like Samson, who slew more Philistines at his
death, than in all his life before.' We die profit-
ably when our natural death is a means of spiritual
life to any. Now this will not, cannot be, but in the
way of believing. He that doubts, droops, de-
sponds, calls all in question, and dies so, rather
frightens from, than allures to, the love of religion
and godliness. What need have we then to pray,
• •• He that, feeds the young ravens will not starve the young
Herons." The Morning Exercise at Cripplegate, 4to. 1661. p. 437.
Sermon 18. •
See Turner's Remarkable Providences, ch." xxvii. p. 128, fol
1697. where the same fact, differently expressed, is cited from
** Dr. Fuller in his Meditations."
t See Judges xvi. 30.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
103
and pray again,— JLorrf, increase our fait hj — ^that we
may not only have wherewithal to live, while we
live, but wherewithal to die also, when we die !
Thus I have written you. Sir, a funeral letter, God
knows whose, perhaps my own. It is certainly good
to be always ready, seeing we know neither day nor
hour.
Sir, I sent on Friday for your worthy, hopeful son,
who came hither safe and well on Saturday. I see
him veiy much upon improvement in learning, and
rejoice that God hath guided you, both now, and
formerly, to put him into circumstances conducent
thereunto. His profiting is much beyond his equals
in age ; and I hope he doth also, which is the main
matter, seriously set his face heavenwards, and
means to make religion his business. God keep it
always tn the imagination of the thoughts of his heart,
und establish his waif before him !
My most affectionate respects and service are to
your good lady, son, and daughter. God Almighty
spare you to them, and them to you, to your mutual
I comfort and joy ! Amen,
December 20, 1687.
For Henry Ashurst, Esq.
In St. John-street, London."
To resume the narrative :] —
In May, 1688, a new commission of the peace
eame down for the county of Flint, in which, by
whose interest or procurement was not known^ Mr.
' Henry was nominated a justice of peace for that
county. It was no small surprise to him to receive
a letter from the clerk of the peace, directed to Philip
Henry, Esq. acquainting him with it, and appoint-
ing him when and whither to come to be sworn. To
which he returned answer, that he was very sensible
of his unworthiness of the honour, and his unfitness
' for the office which he was nominated to, and, there-
fore, desired to be excused, and he was so, and did
what he could, that it might not be spoken of in the
country. There were some, who, upon this occasion,
unhappily remembered, that, a few years before, a
reverend clergyman in Shropshire told Mr. Henry to
his face, that he had done more mischief in the coun-
try than any man that ever came into it ;'' and that
he himself hoped shortly to be in the commission of
the peace, and then he would rid the country of him.
But, alas, he was quite disappointed ! Thus honour
is like the shadow, which flies from those that pursue
it, and follows those that flee from it.
For two years after this liberty began, Mr. Henry
still continued his attendance, as usual, at White-
well chapel, whenever there was preaching there ;
and he preached at his own house only when there
was no supply there, and in the evening of those
« P. Henry. Orig. MS.
V The AposUe Paul was called a pestilent rellow, Acts xxiv !» ;
days when there was. For doing thus he was greatly
clamoured against by some of the rig^d separatists,
and called a dissembler, and one that halted between
two, and the like. Thus, as he notes in his Diary,
one side told him, he was the author of all the mis-
chief in the country, in drawing people from the
church; and the other side told him, he was the
author of all the mischief, in drawing people to the
church. — And, which of these, saith he, shall I seek
to please ? Lord, neither, but thyself alone, and my
own conscience ; and, while I can do that, I have
enough.
In a sermon at White well chapel, one Lord's day
in the afternoon, where he and his family, and many
of his congregation, were attending, much was said,
with some keen reflections, to prove the dissenters
schismatics, and in a damnable state. When he
came immediately after to preach at his own house,
before he began his sermon, he expressed himself to
this purpose; — Perhaps some of you may expect
now that I should say something in answer to what
we have heard, by which we have been so severely
charged ; but truly I have something else to do ;—
and so, without any further notice taken of it, went
on to preach Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
It was not without some fear and trembling, that
Mr. Henry received the tidings of the Prince of
Orange's landing, in November, 1688, as being
somewhat in the dark concerning the clearness of
his call, and dreading what might be the conse-
quence of it. He used to say ; — *' Give peace in
our time, O Lord," — was a prayer that he would
heartily set his Amen to. But, when secret things
were brought to light, and a regular course was taken
to fill the vacant throne with such a king, and such
a queen, none rejoiced in it more heartily than he
did. He celebrated the National Thanksgiving for
that great deliverance, with an excellent sermon on
that text, Romans viii. 31. — What shall we then say
to these things f If God be for t», who can be against
us?
[Referring to this change of affairs, as it affected
associating for Christian worship, he thus endea-
voured to raise the minds of his flock above the con-
sideration of mere second causes. —Christ is, said
he, a shield to particular congregations and assem-
blies, professing faith in, and obedience to, him ;
especially, walking worthy of their profession, to
protect and defend them against the wrath and vio-
lence of those who hate them. Are not we ourselves
an instance, among many others, in like circum-
stances ? Had we been here to-day, if the blessed
Jesus had not been a Shield to us ? Whose hand
but his hath been our covering ? It is true, we have
a good law, and a good king and queen,* but had
they been for us if the Lord Jesus had been against
and see Archbishop Lelghton's Works, v. 2. p. 275, &c. ■/ npra^
w William and Biary.
104
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
lis ? No, no ;— he hath been for us, therefore they.
The shields of the earth belong unto God, He who
hath undertaiken the protection of the whole taber-
nacle, hath undertaken the protection of every apart-
ment in it. He who hath undertaken the care of
the whole vineyard, hath undertaken the care of
every bed in it. He who hath undertaken to look
after the whole flock, hath undertaken to look after
every sheep in it He who hath the command of
the whole army, hath the command of every troop in
it. Therefore, to him let us give the glory. There-
fore, on him let us still wait.'']
Soon after that happy settlement, there were over-
tures made towards a comprehension of the mode-
rate dissenters nith the church of England ; which
Mr. Henry most earnestly desired, and wished for,
if it could be had upon any terms less than sinning
against his conscience ; for never was any more
averse to that which looked like a separation than
he was, if he could possibly have helped it, salva
conscientiA, His prayers were constant, and his en-
deavours, as he had opportunity, that there might be
some healing methods found out and agreed upon.^
But it was well known what was the vox cleri at
that time, viz, — That, forasmuch as the oaths, sub-
scriptions, and ceremonies, were imposed only to
keep out such men, they would never consent to
their removal, for the letting them in again. Noln-
mus leges Anglia mutariy* was a saying perverted
to this purpose. And the fixed principle was, —
Better a schism without the church, than a faction
within it, &c. This was at that time published and
owned, as the sense of the clergy in convocation.
Which temper and resolve, so contrary to that which
might have been expected upon that happy and glo-
rious revolution, did a little alter his sentiments in
that matter ; and he saw himself perfectly driven
from them. Despairing, therefore, to see an accom-
modation, he set himself the more vigorously to im-
improve the present liberty. In June, 1660, the
Act of Indulgence * passed, which not only tolerated,
but allowed, the dissenters meetings, and took them
under the protection of the government.
[In allusion to the gratifying event, he writes :*' —
The condition of many ministers and people
among ourselves, of many in France, hath been, in
outward appearance, a dead condition. The words
of the Act' are, that they shall be as if naturally
dead : but, blessed be God, there hath been a resur-
rection in some measure, a coming out of the grave
X p. Henry. Orig. MS.
y Appendix. No. XVlll.
* See Letten from a late eminent Prelate to one of his Fneods,
p. l^"). 4to.
• Usually styled the Toleration Act, and entitled,—'* An Act
for exempting their M^esty*8 Protestant Subjects, dissenting from
the Church of England, from the Penalties of certain Lairs." 1st
William and Mary,st. 1. c. I8: confirmed by loth Anne, c. 2 ; t9th
Geo. lU. c. 44 i and ft2d Geo. IlL c. I5&. See the Hist of Rel.
again, of which, whoever was the instrument, the
Lord Jesus himself hath been the principal Agent.
He is the Resurrection to us. When a company of
nonconformists went to court to congratulate the
king and queen, and to thank them for the present
liberty, being clothed alike in long black cloaks,
such as ministers usually wear in London, a scoffer
said ; — " Whither are all these going ; — to a burial V
" No, Sir," said one of them, " to a resurrection."*]
Soon after, though he never in the least changed
his judgment as to the lawfulness of joining in the
Common Prayer, but was still ready to do it occa-
sionally ; yet the ministers that preached at White-
well chapel, being often uncertain in their coming,
which kept his meeting at Broad Oak at like uncer«
tainties, to the frequent disappointment of many of
his hearers that came from far ; he was at last pre-
vailed with to preach at public time every Lord's
day, which he continued to do while he lived, much
to his own satisfaction, and the satisfaction of his
friends. An eminent minister in Lancashire, who
did in like manner alter his practice about that time,
gave this for a reason ; — '* That he had been for
twenty-seven years striving to please a generation of
men, who, after all, would not be pleased; and
therefore he would no longer endeavour it as he
had done.*'
It may be of use to give some account how he
managed his ministerial work in the latter part of
his time, wherein he had as signal tokens of the pre-
sence of God with him as ever ; enabling him still
to bring forth fruit in old age j and to renew his youth
lihe the eagles. Though what he did, he still did
gratis, and would do so, yet he was not willing to
have any constant assistant, nor had he any ; so
much was he in his element, when he was about his
Master's work. It was his meat and drink to do it.
1 . As to his constant sabbath work, he was uni-
form and abundant in it. He began his morning
family worship, on Lord's days, at eight o'clock,
when he read and expounded pretty largely, sung a
psalm, and prayed ; and many strove to come time
enough to join with him in that service. He began,
in public, just at nine o'clock, winter and summer.
His meeting-place was an out-building of his own,
near adjoining to his house, fitted up very decently
and conveniently for the purpose. He began with
prayer? then he sung Psalm ex. without reading
the line ; next, he read and expounded a chapter in
the Old Testament in the morning, and in the New
Lib. ▼. 2. pp. 172, 213, 394. Also, Lord Mansfield's Speech in the
House of Lords. Letters to the Hon. Mr. Justice Blackstone by
P. Fumeaux, D. D. p. 257. oct. 1771.
b P. Henry. Orig. MS.
c The Act of Unifonnity.
d A similar anecdote, and. probably, originating in this, is i«lat.
ed of the Rev. Thomas Bradbury, in the reign of King George the
First. See Wilson's History of Dissenting churches, v. a p. 514.
History of Dinenters, v. 3. p. lia
THE LIFE OP MR. PHILIP HENRY.
106
Testament in the afternoon. He looked upon the
public reading of the Scriptures in religious assem-
blies to be an ordinance of God, and that it tended
Tery much to the edification of people by that ordi-
nance, to have what is read expounded to them.
The bare reading of the word he used to compare
to the throwing of a net into the water ; but, the ex-
pounding of it is like the spreading out of that net,
which makes it the more likely to catch fish ; * espe-
eially as he managed it, with practical, profitable
observations. Some that have heard him read a
chapter with this thought, — How will he make such
I chapter as this useful to us?— have been surprised
nrith snch pertinent, useful instructions, as they
have owned to be as much for their edification as
any sermon. And, commonly, when he had ex-
pounded a chapter, he would desire them, when they
came home, to read it over, and recollect some of
those things that had been spoken to them out of it.
In his expounding of the Old Testament, he in-
dustriously sought for something in it concerning
Christ, who is the true treasure, hid in the field, the
true manna hid in the dew of the Old Testament
Take one instance : The last sabbath that ever he
spent with his children ai Chester, in the public
rooming worship, he read and expounded the last
chapter of the Book of Job. After he had gone
through the chapter, and observed what he thought
fit out of it, he expressed himself to this purpose.—
When I have read a chapter in the Old Testament,
I used to inquire what there is in it that points at
Christ, or is any way applicable to Christ Here is
in this chapter a great deal of Job, but is there no-
thing of Christ here? Yes. You have heard of the
patience of Job, and have in him seen the end of the
Lord. This in Job is applicable to Christ, that
after he had patiently gone through his sufferings,
he was appointed an intercessor for his unkind
friends. Verse 8. Go to my servant Job, and my
servant Job shall pray for you, for him will I accept.
If any one hath an errand to God, let him go to
Jesus Christ, and put it into his hand, for there is
no acceptance to be hoped for with God, but by him,
who is his beloved Son ; not only with whom he is
well pleased, but in whom, viz. with us in him, he
hath made us accepted in the beloved.
[On another occasion, having gone through a
course of lectures on the real types' (as distinguish-
ed from personal ') of Christ, he thus concluded the
repetition sermon, in which he had briefly recapitu-
lated the twelve topics;— Thus I have endeavour-
ed to break these shells that you may come at the
« See Matt iv. 18, 19. John xxi. 7. &c.
t Haying Mrs Savafre's liIS. copy of these excellent discourses
before me, it seems desirable to preserve here the order in which
they were delivered, and the texts.
The Lamb, from John i. 30.— Rock, 1 Cor. x. 4.~Ark. 1 Pet
iii. 18—31.— Sam, Gen. zxii. 13 — Bfanna/john vi. 48— 51.— The
brazen serpent, John ili. 14, 15.— Jacob's ladder. Gen. xxvlii. 13.
kernel. What have we need of, that is not to be
hkd in CAmf,— the marrow in all these bones? In
him we have an ark against a deluge, a ram to be
slain for us, a ladder to get to heaven by, a lamb to
take away our sins, manna to feed us, water out of
the rock to refresh us, a brazen serpent to heal us,
purification-blood to cleanse us, a scape-goat to
carry our sins into a land of forgetfulness, a city of
refuge to fly to, a temple to pray to, an altar to
sanctify all our gifts. Lo, Christ is all this, and
infinitely more, therefore we need to look for no
other.** ,
After the exposition of the chapter, he sung a
psalm, and commonly chose a psalm suitable to the
chapter he had expounded ; and would briefly tell
his hearers how they might sing that psalm with
understanding, and what affections of soul should
be working towards God, in the singing of it ; his
hints of that kind were of great use, and contributed
much to the right performance of that service ; he
often said, — The more singing of psalms there is in
our families and congregations on sabbath days, the
more like they are to heaven, and the more there
is in them of the everlasting sabbath. He would say
sometimes, he loved to sing whole psalms, rather
than pieces.
After the sermon in the morning, he sung the 117th
psalm, without reading the line.
He intermitted at noon about an hour and a half,
and on sacrament days not near so long, in which
time he took some little refreshment in his study^
making no solemn dinner ; yet many of his friends
did partake of his carnal, as well as of his spiritual,
things, as those did that followed Christ, of whom
he was careful they should not faint by the way.
The morning sermon was repeated, by a ready writer,
to those that stayed in the meeting place, as many
did ; and when that was done, he begun the after-
noon's exerpise ; in which he not only read and ex-
pounded a chapter, but catechised the children, and
expounded the catechism briefly before sermon.
Thus did he go from strength to strength, and from
duty to duty, on sabbath days; running the way
of God's commandments with an enlarged heart.
And the variety and vivacity of his public services
made them exceeding pleasant to all that joined with
him, who never had cause to complain of his being
tedious. He used to say, — Every minute of sabbath
time is precious, and none of it to be lost ; and that
he scarce thought the Lord's day well spent, if he
were not weary in body at night ; wearied with his
work, but not weary of it, as he used to distinguish.
— Tlie red heifer, Heb. ix. 13, 14.— The scape-goat, Lev. xvi. 8—
10, 21.— Cities of refuge, Josh. xx. I— 3.— Temple, John il. 19— 2L—
An altar, Hebrews xiii. ID. See ante, p. 88.
ff The personal types discussed by Mr. Henry, were,— Adam,
Melchisedec, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Samson, Joshua, David,
Solomon. Jonah, Cjrrus. Mrs. Tybton's MS.
b P. Henry. Orig. MS.
106
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
He would say ^metimes to those about him, when
he had gone through the duties of a sabbath, — Well,
if this be not the way to heaven, I do not know
what is. In pressing people to number their days,
he would especially exhort them to number their
sabbath days, how many they have been, and how
ill they have been spent ; how few it is like they may
be, that they may be spent better ; and to help in the
account, he would say, that for every twenty years
of our lives, we enjoy above a thousand sabbaths,
which must all be accounted for in the day of rec-
koning.
As to his constant preaching, it was very substan-
tial and elaborate, and greatly to edification. He
used to say, he could not starch in his preaching ;
that is, he would not ; as knowing where the lan-
guage and expression is stiff, and forced, and fine,
as they call it, it doth not reach the greatest part of
the hearers. When he grew old, he would say, sure
he might now take a greater liberty to talk, as he
called it, in the pulpit, that is, to speak familiarly
to people ; yet to the last he abated not in his pre-
parations for the pulpit, nor ever delivered any thing
raw and undigested ; much less any thing unbecom-
ing the gravity and seriousness of the work. If his
preaching was talking, it was talking to the pur-
pose. His sermons were not common-place, but
even when his subjects were the most plain and trite,
yet his management of them was usually peculiar,
and surprising. In those years, as formerly, he kept
for the most part in a method for subjects, and was
very seldom above one sabbath upon a text And
his constant practice was, as it had been before, when
he concluded a subject that he had been a good
while upon, he spent one sabbath in a brief rehearsal
of the marrow and substance of the many sermons
he preached upon it ; which he called the clenching
of the nail, that it might be as a nailin a sure place.
So very industrious was he, and no less ingenious, in
his endeavours, that his hearers might be able, after
his decease, to have these things always in remem-
brance, 2 Peter i. 15. and it is hoped, that, by the
blessing of God, the effect did not altogether disap-
i Thus in a discourse on Rom. ▼. 12. J7y on* man gin entered into
the world ; after showing that sin consists in the want of original
righteousness, and in the corruption of the whole nature, he re.
marked that a natural state is,—
An estate of distance from God, Eph. ii. 13. Luke xr. 13. Gen.
iii. & Eph. iv. 1&
Desperate enmity against God, Rom. viii. 7. Rom. i. 30.
Universal disorder in the whole man. That which should obey,
rules : the will rules the understanding ; the afl'ections the Judg.
ment ; the body the soul : alluding to Eccles. x. 6, 7.
A dark state, Eph. v. 8. Eph. It. 18. Nay, not only void of light,
but hating it, resisting it, not receiving niiitoal things, 1 Cor.
ii. 14.
A defiled state, Ps. xiv. 3. Eiek. xvi 6. Ps. Ii. 5, 7.
A diseased state, Isaiah i. 6.
Dead to every thing that is good, Eph. ii. L No will, desire, or
inclination to do the will of God, no more than a dead man hath
to any natural action of life.
point his expectation. In the latter times of his
ministry he would often contrive the heads of his
sermons to begin with the same letter, or rather two
and two of a letter ;' but he did not at ail seem to
affect or force it ; only if it fell in naturally and
easily, he thought it a good help to memory, and of
use, especially to the younger sort And he would
say, the chief reason why he did it was, because it
is frequently observed in the Scripture, particularly
the Book of Psalms. And though it be not a fashion-
able ornament of discourse, if it be a scripture orna-
ment, that is sufficient to recommend it, at least to
justify it against the imputation of childishness. Mr.
Porter, of Whitchurch, very much used it ; so did
Mr. Maiden. But the excellency of his sermons lay
chiefly in the enlargements, which were always very
solid, grave, and judicious ; but in expressing and
marshalling his heads, he often condescended below
his own judgment, to help his hearers' memories.
Some of his subjects, whence had finished them, be
made some short memorandums of in verse,*^ a dis-
tich or two of each sabbath's work, and gave them
out in writing, among the young ones of his congre-
gation, many of whom wrote them, and learned them,
and profited by them.'
It might be of use, especially to those who had
the happiness of sitting under his ministry, to give
some account of the method of his sabbath subjects,
during the last eight or nine years of his ministry ;
and it was designed, till it was found it would swell
this narrative into too great a bulk.*"
2. As to the administration of the sacraments,
those mysteries of God, which ministers are the
stewards of.
As to the sacrament of baptism, he had never,
that I know of, baptized any children except his
own, from the time he was turned out in 1662, till
his last liberty came, though often desired to do it ;
such was the tender regard he had to the establish-
ed church ; but now he revived the administration
of that ordinance . in his congregation. The occa-
sion was this : One of the parish ministers, preach-
ing at White well chapel, — Mr. Henry and his family,
Disposed to all manner of evil, Hos. xi. 7. bent, as the bowl to
follow the bias.
Disabled for ever to help himself out of this condition, Ezek.
xvi. 1, 2, 3,kc. Rom. v. 6. without strength ; nay, refusing help when
offered ; alluding to Luke xiii. 11. P. Henry. Orlg. MS.
k A godly minister in Wales, perceiving his people to be igno-
rant, and also much addicted to singing, at last took this course;
—he turned the subject of his sabbath sermon into a song, and
gave it to his parishioners ; and it did good. Much of God's mind
is revealed in Scripture by songs. P. Henry. From Matthew
Henry's MS.
The allusion is supposed to be to the Rev. Rees Prichard, author
of the Welshman's Candle. See a version of part o^* this useful
poem, entitled, The Vicar of Llandovery, a Light ft-om the Welsh-
man's Candle, " by John Bulmer." duod. 18*21. Preface, pp. x.
xvi. &c. Mr. Prichard died in 1644, et. 60.
1 Appendix, No. XIIC
m Appendix, No. XX.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
107
and many of his friends, being present, — was earn-
estly cautioning people not to go to conventicles,
and used this as an argument against it, — *' That
they were baptized into the Church of England."
Mr. Henr3r's catholic charity could not well digest
this monopolizing of the great ordinance of baptism,
and thought it time to bear his testimony against
such narrow principles, which he ever expressed his
dislike of in all parties and persuasions. Accord-
ingly he took the next opportunity that offered itself,
publicly to baptize a child, and desired the congre-
gation to bear witness,— That he did not baptize
that child into the church of England, nor into the
church of Scotland, nor into the church of the Dis-
senters, nor into the church at Broad Oak, but into
the visible catholic church of Jesus Christ. After
this he baptized very many, and always publicly,
though, being in the country, they were commonly
carried a good way. The public administration of
baptism, he not only judged most agreeable to
the nature and end of the ordinance, but found to
be very proOtable and edifying to the congregation ;
for he always took that occasion, not only to explain
the nature of the ordinance, but affectionately and
pathetically to excite people duly to improve their
baptism. He usually received the child immediately
oot of the hands of the parent that presented it, and
returned it into the same hands again, with this, or
the like charge ; — Take this child, and bring it up for
God. He used to say, that one advantage of public
baptism was, that there were many to join in prayer
for the child, in which therefore, and in blessing
God for it, he was usually very large and particular.
After he had baptized the child, before he gave it
back to the parent, he commonly used these words ;
-.We receive this child into the congregation of
Christ's church, having washed it with water, in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, in token, that, hereafter, it shall not be
ashamed to confess Christ crucified, and manfully
to fight, &c.
He baptized many adult persons, that, through the
error of their parents, were not baptized in infancy,
and some in public.
The solemn ordinance of the Lord's supper he
constantly celebrated in his congregation once a
month, and always to a very considerable number
of communicants. He did not usually observe pub-
lic days of preparation for that ordinance, other
than as they fell in course in the weekly lectures ;
nor did he ever appropriate any particular sub-
■ The peculiar work of deacons, according to the primitive in-
ititation, was the serving tables, and making a prudent and Taith-
'al distribution of the stock of the society, Acts vi. 2. Dr. Lard-
lers Works, vol. ii. p. ix. oct. 1788. Watts's Works, v. 4. p. 146.
xrt. isia Some of them, perhaps all, were occasionally preach-
trs ; but this was no part of their office astieacons. Mr. Newton.
Review of Ecclesiastical History. Works, v. 3. p. fi7 oct. 1808.
• 1687a Sab. Mar. 11, 1 spent still at dear Broad Oak; many I
ject of his preaching to. sacrament days, having
a great felicity in adapting any profitable subject
to such an occasion : and he would say ; — ^What
did the primitive Christians do, when they cele-
brated the Lord's supper every Lord's day? His
administration of this ordinance was very solemn
and affecting. He had been wont to go about in
the congregation, and to deliver the elements with
his own hand ; but, in his latter time, he deliver-
ed them only to those near him, and so they were
handed from one to another, with the assistance
of one who supplied the office of a deacon," as hav-
ing also the custody and disposal of the money
gathered for the use of the poor ; Mr. Henry taking,
and carefully keeping, a particular account of it
Such as desired to be admitted to the Lord's sup-
per, he first discoursed with concerning their spirit-
ual state, and how the case stood between God and
their souls ; not only to examine them, but to in-
struct and teach them, and to encourage them, as he
saw occasion ; gently leading those whom he dis-
cerned to be serious, though weak and timorous. He
usually discoursed with them more than once, as
finding precept upon precept, and line upon line, ne-
cessary ; but he did it with so much mildness, and
humility, and tenderness, and endeavour to make
the best of every body, as did greatly affect and
win upon many. He was herein like our great
Master, who can have compassion on the ignorant^
and doth not despise the day of small things.
But his admission of young people out of the rank
of catechumens into that of communicants, had a
peculiar solemnity in it Such as he catechised,
when they grew up to some years of discretion, if
he observed them to be intelligent and serious, and
to set their faces heavenwards, he marked them out
to be admitted to the Lord's supper, and, when he
had a competent number of such, twelve or fifteen,
perhaps, or more, he ordered each of them to come
to him severally, and discoursed with them of the
things belonging to their everlasting peace ; put it
to their choice, whom they would iAtx\e ; and en-
deavoured to affect them with those things with
which, by their catechisms, they had been made ac-
quainted ; drawing them with the cords of a man,
and the bands of love, into the way which is called holy.
For several Lord's days he catechised them, par-
ticularly in public, touching the Lord's supper,*' and
the duty of preparation for it, and their baptismal
covenant, which in that ordinance they were to take
upon themselves, and to make their own act and
sweet lessons taught us. The subject,— that a bold spirit is an ex-
cellent spirit; but I was most affected with the catechising, which
was not then of the children, but the young persons who are
shortly to be admitted to the Lord's supper. After many serious
exhortations and questions, all the company, as well as dear
father, were much aflfected, when tears would scarce let him say
any more than,— God bless you! Mrs. Savage. Diary, Orig.
MS.
106
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
deed. Often telling tbem upon such occasions, that
they were not to oblige themselves to any more than
what they were already obliged to by their baptism,
only to bind themselves faster to it. Then he ap-
pointed a day in the week before the ordinance ;
when, in a solemn assembly on purpose, he prayed
for them, and preached a sermon p to them, proper
to their age and circumstances ; and so the follow-
ing sabbath they were all received together to the
Lord's supper. This he looked upon as the right
confirmation, or transition into the state of adult
church-membership. The more solemn our cove-
nanting with God is, the more deep and the more
durable the impressions are likely to be. He hath
recorded it in his Diary, upon one of these occasions,
as his heart's desire and prayer for those who were
thus admitted ;~^That it might be as the day of
their espousals to the Lord Jesus, and that they
might each of them have a wedding-garment
3. The discipline he observed in his congregation
was, not such as he could have vdshed for, but the
best he could get, considering what a scattered flock
he had, which was his trouble ; but it could not be
helped. He would sometimes apply to the circum-
stances he was in, that of Moses, Deuteronomy xii.
8, 9. However, I see not but the end was effectually
attained by the methods he took, though there
wanted the formality of officers and church-meet-
ings for the purpose. If he heard of any that walked
disorderly, he sent for them, and reproved them
gently, or sharply, as he saw the case required. If
the sin had scandal in it, he suspended them from
the ordinance of the Lord's supper till they gave
some tokens of their repentance and reformation.
And where the offence was public and gross, his
judgment was, that some public satisfaction should
be made to the congregation before re-admission.
But, whatever offence did happen, or breaches of
the Christian peace, Mr. Henry's peculiar excel-
lence lay in restoring with the spirit of meekness i^
which with his great prudence, and love, and con-
descension, did so much command the respect of
his people, and win upon them, that there was a
universal satisfaction in all his management ; and
it may be truly said of him, as it was of David, 2
Samuel iii. 36, that whatsoever he did pleased all
the people. And it is an instance and evidence,
p Once he preached on that occasion, on 1 Cor. xiii. U; at ano-
ther time on 2 Chron. xzx. & another, on 1 Chron. xxix. IL Lire.
Orig. MS. ut ntpra.
4 Meekness is a grace of the Spirit, Gal. v. 2*2, 23. and is of
general use to us in every thing we do, both towards God and
man, James iii. 13. Meelcness in the understanding is seen in
receiving the truths of God. James i. 21. Meekness in the will
is seen in yielding to his commands. Matt xi. 29. The proper
work of meekness is to compose, and cool, and quiet the spirit.
It regulates anger in its cause, measure, and continuance, Eph.
It. 26. We must answer with meekness, I Pet iii. 15. We roust
instruct with meekness, 2 Tim. ii. 25. We must restore with
meekness. Gal. vi. L We must bear reproaches with meekness,
that those ministers who will rule by love and meek-
ness, need no laws or canons to rule by, other than
those of the Holy Scripture. — How forcible are right
words! Job vi. 25.
4. He was very strict and very serious in observ-
ing the public fasts appointed by authority, and
called them a delight He had seldom any one to
assist him in carrying on the duties of those days,
but performed the service of them himself alone.
He began at nine of the clock, or quickly after, and
never stirred out of the pulpit till about four in the
afternoon, spending all that time in praying, and
expounding, and singing, and preaching, to the ad-
miration of all that heard him, who were generally
more on such days than usual. And he was some-
times observed to bd more warm and lively towards
the latter end of the duties of a fast day than at the
beginning ; as if the spirit were most willing and
enlarged when the flesh was most weak. In all his
performances on public fast days, he did, hoc agere,
attend to that which was the proper work of the day ;
every thing is beautiful in its season. His prayers
and pleadings with God on those days, were especi-
ally for national mercies, and the pardon of national
sins. How excellently did he order the cause before
God, and fill his mouth with arguments in his large
and particular intercessions for the land, for the king,
the government, the army, the navy, the church, the
French Protestants, &c. He was another Jacob, a
wrestler, an Israel, a prince with God.^ Before a
fast day, he would be more than ordinarily inquisi-
tive concerning the state of public affairs, as Nehe-
miah was, Nehemiah i. 2. that he might know the
better how to order his prayers and preaching ; for,
on such a day, he hath sometimes said, — As good
say nothing, as nothing to the purpose. He made
it his business on fast-days, to show people their
transgressions, especially the house of Jacob their
sins. — It is most proper, said he, to preach of Christ
on Lord's days, to preach of sin on fast days, and to
preach duty on both. He went over the third chap-
ter of the Revelations, in the fast sermons of two
years. Another year he preached over the particu-
lars of that charge,* Zephaniah iii. 2. Hypocrisy
in hearers, and flattery in preachers, as he would
sometimes say, is bad at any time, but it is especially
abominable upon a day of humiliation.
Numb. xii. 2, 3. 2 Sam. xvi 7, 8. We must bear reproofs with
meekness. Meekness towards God stands opposed to murmuring
and repining at his dealings with us. The language will be,— /r
it tk* LvrJt Ut kirn do what $eemeth him good. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
r 16P7.8 Sab. Sept. 4. I oft think of a petition of dear praying
ftther, now with God. thus;— Let O Lord, the blessing of the
ordinances reach these whose hearts are with us here to.day,
though their persons \x not. God grant I may tread in his steps,
and be truly of the seed of this praying Jacob, who was so mighty
in tliat duty. Mrs. Savage's Diary. Orig. MS.
• See P. Henry's Seipaons, oct t8I9. pp. 226, 242, 269. Also, a
Sermon on the Fifth of November, by P. Henry. Evan. Mag. vol.
xxviii. p. 456.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
100
5. He preached a greiR many lectures in the coun-
try about, some stated, some occasional, in suppljring
of which he was very indefatigable. He hath some-
times preached a lecture, ridden eight or nine miles,
and preached another, and the next day two more.
To quicken himself to diligence he would often say,
—Our opportunities arc passing away, and we must
work while it is day, for the night cometh. Once,
having very wet and foul weather to go through to
preach a lecture, he said, he comforted himself with
two scriptures ; one was, 2 Timothy ii. 3. — Endure
Urdness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ ; the other,
because he exposed and hazarded his health, for
which some blamed him, was, 2 Samuel vi. 21. — It
was before the Lord. He took all occasions in his
lectures abroad, to possess the minds of people with
sober and moderate principles, and to stir them up
to the serious regard of those things wherein we are
all agreed.— .We are not met here together, said he,
once in an exhortation, with which he often began
at bis lecture, because we think ourselves better than
others, but because we desire to be better than we
are.
He was very happy in the choice of his subjects
for his week-day lecture. At one, which was stated,
he preached against errors ^ in general, from James
i. 16. — Do not err, my beloved brethren ; — ^particu-
larly, from divers other scriptures he showed, that
we must not err concerning God, and Christ, and
the Spirit ; concerning sin and repentance^ faith
and good works ; concerning God's ordinances ;
concerning grace and peace, and afflictions and
prosperity, and the things of the life to come."
[At another lecture, he considered what the peo-
ple of God are compared to in Scripture. They are
ike salt of the earth ; the light of the world ; God's
witnesses ; the planting of the Lord ; his husbandry ;
his building. '''\
At the monthly lectures at his own house, he chose
to preach upon the four last things, death and judg-
ment, heaven and hell, in many particulars, but
commonly a new text for every sermon. When he
had, in many sermons, finished the first of the four,
one that used to hear him sometimes, inquiring of
his progress in his subjects, asked him if he had
done with death, meaning that subject concerning
death ; to which he pleasantly replied ; — No, I have
not done with him yet. I must have another turn
with him, and he will give me a fall ; but I hope to
have the victory at last. He would sometimes re-
t Appendix, No. XXL
■ As a preservative against error, get truth of grace, and grow
in it, % Pet. ifi. 17, 18. Heb. ziii. 0. Matt. xxiv. 34. Be filled with
knowledge, especially in fundamentals, Biatt. xiii. 29. Ps. cxix.
104, te. Get an humble heart, Ps. cxxxi. 1, S. Ps. zxy. 9. Receive
the truth in the love of it, STheas. ii. le, 11. John vii. 17. Be much
in secret prayer ; prey for the Spirit, who is given to lead into
truth, John xvf . la Maintain communion with the saints ; come
not near seducers, 2 Cor. vi. 17. Prov. iv. 14, 15. 2 John 10. Jer.
move the lectures in the coimtry from one place to
another, for the benefit of those that could not travel.
Once having adjourned a lecture to a new place, he
began it with a sermon on Acts xvii. 6 — These men
that have turned the woi'ld upside down, are come
hither also ; in which he showed how false the charge
is as they meant it ; for religion doth not disturb the
peace of families, or societies, doth not cause any
disorder or unquietness, &c. And yet, that in an-
other sense there is a great truth in it, — that, when
the gospel comes in power to any soul, it turns the
world upside down in that soul ; such is the change
it makes there.
All this he did gratis, and without being burthen-
some to any ; nay, he was best pleased, when, at
the places where he preached, nothing was got for
his entertainment, but he came home, though some
miles, fasting; as in other places it was a trouble
to him to see his friends careful about much serv-
ing, though it was out of their respect to him.
Lastly. As he was an excellent preacher himself,
so he was an exemplary hearer of the word, when
others preached, though every way his inferiors ; so
reverent, serious, and attentive was he in hearing,
and so observant of what was spoken. I have heard
him tell, that he knew one, and I suppose it was as
Paul knew a man in Christ, who could truly say,
to the glory of God, that for forty years he had
never slept at a sermon.
[He would sometimes remark; — ^Those who are
ordinarily drowsy in hearing the word of God, and
allow themselves in it, are next door to some great
affliction, or great temptation, or on the declining
hand.*]
He was diligent also to improve what he heard
afterwards by meditation, repetition, prayer, and
discourse ; and he was a very great encourager of
young ministers that were humble and serious,
though their abilities and performances were but
mean. He hath noted in his Diary, as that which
affected him, this sajring of a godly man, a hearer
of his ;— *< I find it easier to go six miles to hear a
sermon, than to spend one quarter of an hour in me-
ditating and praying over it in secret, as I should,
when I come home."
As to the circumstances of his family in these last
nine years of his life, they were somewhat different
from what they had been ; but the same candley of
God, which had shined upon his tabernacle, con-
tinued still to do so. In the years 1687 and 1688,
xziii. 16. Keep up due esteem of ministers whom God hath set
over you, Heb. xiii. 7, 17. 1 Thess. v. 12, 18. Jer. vi. W, 17. Eph. iv.
II, &c. Mai. ii. 2,7. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
▼ Life. Orig. MS. s/Mpro.
w From an authentic MS. believed to be in the hand-writing of
his daughter. Mrs. Tylston.
z Appendix, No XXII.
y See Job xxix. 3.
110
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
he married all his five children ; the three eldest in
four months' time, in the year 1687 ; and the other
two in a year and a half after ; so many swarms, as
he used to call them, out of his hive ;' and all, not
only with his full consent, but to his abundant com-
fort and satisfaction. He would say, he thought it
the duty of parents to study to oblige their children
in that affair. And though never could children be
more easy and at rest in a father's house than his
were, yet he would sometimes say concerning them,
as Naomi to Ruth, Ruth iii. 1. — Shall I not seek rest
for thee f Two advices he used to give, both to his
children and others, in their choice of that relation.
One was : — Keep within the bounds of profession,
such as one may charitably hope is from a good
principle. The other was; — Look at suitableness
in age, quality, education, temper, &c. He used
to observe, from Genesis ii. 18. — I will make him a
help meet for him, — ^that where there is not meet-
ness, there will not be much help. And he would
commonly say to his children, with reference to that
choice ;— Please God, and please yourselves, and
you shall never displease me ; and greatly blamed
those parents, who conclude matches for their chil-
dren, and do not ask counsel at their mouth.
[When the proposal made to his youngest daugh-
ter was communicated to him, his sentiments were
expressed in the following letter : —
My dear Daughter ;
Your present affair we can truly say was no less
a surprise to us, than it was to you ; but we have
learned, both from our fixed belief of God's uni-
versal providence in every thing, and his particular
special providence towards those that fear him, and
also from our last year's experience, once and again,
of his doing that for us which we looked not for ; —
to cease our wonder,* and to apply ourselves, as we
ought to do, to our duty. We would have you do
so likewise ; saying, as Paul, which was the first
word that grace spoke in him,— Xoref, what wilt thou
have me to do ^ Your way is, in the first place, to
acknowledge God, not only in the thing itself, but
in all the motions and events of it ; and if you do
so, he will direct you ; that is, guide, and bless,
and succeed your steps. You are, next, to admit
the person -into your converse, as in another case,
1 Timothy v. 2. with all purity ; that is, at no unfit-
ting time, in no unfitting place, manner, or other
circumstance ; as it will not be desired, so neither
t Probably in allusion to Shakspeare :—
*' All's well that end's well." - Act I, sc. 2.
I after him, do after him wish too.
Since I nor wax, nor honey, can bring home,
1 quickly were dissolved from «y AiW.
To give some labourer room.
• See the Sure Guide to Heaven, by Joseph Alleine, pp. 235,
345. ed. 1704 duod.
b See asae, p. 10.
c See the Investigator, v. 7. p. 70. Also the works of the Rev.
ought it to be granted. Y\>ur end, herein, is to be
the same with his ; your next end that you may be
acquainted with each other's temper and disposition.
Especially that you may feel the pulse of each
other's soul, how it beats towards God, and his
works and ways. As the agreement is in that, ac-
cordingly will be much of the sweetness and comfort
of the condition.
As to the calling, estate, and other things of that
kind, I am glad you know, and am more glad you
have espoused, Mr. AUeyn's six principles,* which
are the same in practice, and are of as great use and
influence, as Mr. Perkins's Six Principles^ in Doc-
trine ; and, therefore, hold to them. If height and
fulness in the world were the things that would
make us happy, those who have them would be
the happy people ; but it is not so. It shall be my
endeavour, as far as I can, to inform myself how
things are in those matters, that there may be no
mistake on either side, and then to do as there
shall be cause. You will remember one thing,
which you have often heard from me in others' cases,
though never in your own, and that is, — To keep
yourself free from all engagements, by promise, till
the time come when it shall be thought proper, by
mutual consent, that I contract you,^ which will be
time enough for you to do that. To how many hath
the not observing this rule been a snare ! We are
truly thoughtful for you, you may well believe, but
must not be too thoughtful. Unto God we must,
and do, commit our way in it, and so must you yours,
— casting all our care upon him, for he careth for us.
We have, hitherto, found his contrivances best, not
ours. I am glad you have so worthy a friend as
Mrs. M. K. to unbosom yourself to, and to help to
advise you, and pray for you. I told your brother
when I thought it would be convenient you should
come home. If he has not opportunity of sending
you then, we shall, soon after, God willing, send for
you. Our love and blessing is to him, and our
daughter, and to your dear self, having confidence in
you in all things, (2 Corinthians vii. 16. — but it is
through the Lord, as it is limited, Galatians v. 10.)
that you will act as I have counselled you.
Committing you to his protection and guidance,
I rest. Your loving father,
Feb. 17, 1687-8. Philip Henry.«»]
He never aimed at gpreat things* in the world for
his children, but sought for them, in the first place,
It Greenham, p. 174. fol. 1805. where there is a Treatise of a Con-
tract before Marriage.
d Orig. MS.
• Having in view, very likely, the pithy couplet of his admired
poet, George Herbert :—
'* For gold and grace did never yet agree ;
Religion always sides with povenie.**
The Temple, &c. «/ gvpra^ 191. Also, Clark's Lives annexed to
theMartyrologie, p. 152. «/ iwprs.
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
Ill
the kingdom of God, and the righteousnest thereof.
He uaed to mention, sometimes, the saying of a pious
gentlewoman, that had many daughters ; — " The
eare of most people is how to get good husbands for
their daughters ; but my care is to fit my daughters
to be good wives, and then let God provide for them."
In this, as in other things, Mr. Henry steered by
that principle, — ^That a tnan*s life consisteth not in
tke ahmndance of the things that he possesseth. And
it pleased God so to order it, that all his children
were disposed of, into circumstances very agreeable
and comfortable, both for life and godliness. He
was greatly affected with the goodness of God to
him herein, without any forecast or contrivance of
his own.— The country, saith he, in his Diary, takes
notice of it, and what then shall I render? Surely,
this is a token for good.
[Speaking of the arrangements of outvrard com-
forts, and the eagerness of the affections towards
them, he would remark, that, — God hath three hands,
wherewith he distributes earthly things : A hand of
common providence ; with this he feeds the ravens,
when they cry. A hand of special love ; vnth this
be feeds his children, who commit their way to him,
and put their trust in him. A hand of anger and
wrath ; with this he gives to those who are impatient:
they must and will be rich ; they must and will have
this or that.' In gifts from men we look more at the
mind of the giver than the value of the gift. So
should we in gifts from God. Have / his love with
what I have ? Then I am well enough. If other-
wise, it is but a sad portion ; as a golden suit with
the plague in it.<]
All his four daughters were married at Whitewell
chapel, and he preached a wedding-sermon** for
each of them in his own family after.'
He would often tell his friends, that those who
desire, in the married condition, to live in the favour
of God, must enter upon that condition in the fear
of God. For it is an ill omen to stumble at the
threshold ; and an error in the first concoction is
seldom amended in the second.
While he lived he had much comfort in all his
children, and their yoke-fellows, and somewhat the
more, that, by the Divine Providence, four of the
^we families which branched out of his, were settled
in Chester.
His youngest daughter*^ was married April 26,
1688, the same day of the year, as he observes in his
Diary, and the same day of the week, and in the
f UpoD those men who escape the curse of Adam, Genesis iii.
10.— /a tJkt twtat of dijf fact ikait thorn eat brtad,'--God commonly
loSicts the serpent's curse ; verse 14.— Upo» thy holly thalt tkom go,
imat ohalt tkoa oat. Those usually that have most dote most upon
vrhat they have, Krovclling in the earth, &c. We must use riches
Bs thorns; make a hedge, and stop gaps with them; but by no
means make a bed oT them, as that fool, Luke xii. 19. P. Henry.
Com. PI. Book,Orig. MS.
ff P. Heury. Orig. MS.
same place, that he was married to his dear wife,
twenty-eight years before ; upon which, this is his
remark ; — I cannot desire for them, that they should
receive more from God than we have received, in
that relation and condition ; but I would desire, and
do desire, that they may do more for God in it than
we have done.
His usual compliment to his new-married friends,
was ; — Others wish you all happiness, I wish you all
holiness, and then there is no doubt but you will
have all happiness.
When the marriage of the last of his daughters
was about to be concluded on, he thus writes ; — But
f« Joseph gone, and Simeon gone, and must Benjamin
go also ? We will not say, that all these things are
against us, but for us. If we must be thus, in this
merciful way, bereaved of our children, let us be
bereaved ; and God turn it for good to them, as we
know he ^ill, if they love and fear his name. And
when, some time after she was married, he parted
with her to the house of her husband, he thus writes ;
— We have sent her away, not as Laban said he
would have sent his daughters away, with mirth,
and with songs, with tabret, and with harp, but Mith
prayers, and tears, and hearty good wishes. — And
now, saith he, in his Diary, we are alone again, as
we were in our beginning. God bo better to us than
twenty children. Upon the same occasion he thus
writes to a dear relation ;— We are now left as we
were, one and one, and yet but one one ; the Lord, I
trust, that has brought us thus far, will enable us to
finish well ;' and then all will be well, and not till
then.
That which he often mentioned, as the matter of
his great comfort that it was so, and his desire that
it might continue so, was the love and unity that was
among his children; and that, as he vmtes, the
transplanting of them into new relations, had not
lessened that love, but rather increased it ; for this
he often gave thanks to the God of love ; noting,
from Job i. 4 ; — That the children's love to one an-
other is the parents' comfort and joy. In his last
will and testament, this is the prayer which he puts
up for his children, — That the Lord would build
them up in holiness, and continue them still in bro-
therly lovC; as a bundle of arrows which cannot be
broken.
When his children were removed from him, he
was a daily intercessor at the throne of grace
for them, and their families. Still the bumt-offer-
h For a singular Collection of Wedding Sermons, see the Anec-
dotes of Literature and Scarce Books, by the Rev. W. Beloe, v.
3. pp. 100—109, oct. 1%08 ;— •• Every one of which, IVom some cause
or other, the whin»sicality of the title, the phraseology, or the
matter, is an object of curiosity." lb. p. 100.
i Appendix, No. XXIII.
k See mtto.
1 Sec Acts XX. 24.
112
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
ings were offered according to the number of them all.
He used to say ; — Surely, the children of so many
prayers will not miscarry. Their particular circum-
stances of affliction and danger were sure to be men-
tioned by him with suitable petitions. The greatest
affliction he saw in his family, was the death of his
dear daughter-in-law, Catharine,*" the only daughter
of Samuel Hardware, Esq. ; who, about a year and
a half after she was transplanted into his family, to
which she was the greatest comfort and ornament
imaginable, died of the small-pox in child-bed, upon
the Thanksgiving-day for King William's coming
in. She died but a few weeks after Mr. Henry had
married the last of his daughters ; upon which
marriage she had said ; — " Now we have a full lease,
God only knows which life will drop first.'' She
comforted herself in the extremity of her illness
with this word ;— '^ Well, when I come to heaven, I
shall see that I could not have been without this
affliction." She had been for some time before
under some fears as to her spiritual state, but the
clouds were, through grace, dispelled, and she
finished her course with joy, and a cheerful expect-
ation of the glory to be revealed. When she lay ill,
Mr. Henry, being in fear not only for her that was
ill, but for the rest of his children in Chester, who
had none of them past the pikes ° of that perilous
distemper, wrote thus to his son, on the evening of
the Lord's day.— I have just done the public work
of this day, wherein, before many scores of witnesses,
many of whom, I dare say, are no little concerned for
you, I have absolutely, freely, and unreservedly,
given you all up to the good-will and pleasure of
our heavenly Father, waiting what he will do with
us, for good I am sure we have received, and shall
we not receive evil also ? He preached at Chester,
upon occasion of that sad breach in his family,
on Job X. 3. — Shew me wherefore thou contendest
with me. ,
When two of his children lay ill, and in perilous
circumstances, after he had been wrestling with
God in prayer for them, he wrote thus in his 0f ary ;
— If the Lord will be pleased to grant me my request
this time concerning my children, I will not say as
the beggars at our door used to do ;-— I'll never ask
any thing of him again ; but, on the contrary, he
shall hear oftener from me than ever ; and I will
m See Tong*s Lire of the Rev. Matthew Henry, 105. &c. utswpra.
Her epitaph U preserved in the History of Che^re, «/ tvpra, vol.
1. p. S6S; and a pedigree of the Hardware family, A. vol. 3. p. tsi.
Mr. Matthew Henry bewailed his loss in some pathetic lines
which were first printed in the Evan. Mag. v. 3. p. 351 ; and, a little
altered, v. 29. p. 163.
B Mr. Paul Bayne, in his Christian Letters, «/ npra, p. 346. urges
for consolation, that it is,—*' promised we shall paue the pik*», and
bring forth, though with sorrowes.** In another of his works he
says;— " We see that who will keepe life and power in his course,
endeavouring a good conscience in all things, they must fouttht
pikn of evill tongues which are shaken against them.** The Triall
of a Christian's Estate, p. 37. duod. 1637. See also Bishop Saun.
love God the better, and love prayer the better, as
long as I live. He uted to say, — ^Tradesmen take it ill
if those that are in their books go to another shop.
While we are so much indebted to God for past mer-
cies, we are bound to attend him for further mercies.
As he was an intercessor for his children at the
throne of grace, so he was upon all occasions a re-
membrancer to them, both by word and letter, to
quicken them to that which is good. How often
did he inculcate this upon them ? Love one another,
and the God of love and peace will be with you. Do
all you can, while you are together, to help one an-
other to heaven, that you may be together there, for
ever, and with the Lord. When the families of his
children were in health and peace, the candle of
God shining upon their tabernacles, he wrote thus
to them ; — It was one of Job's comforts in his pros-
perity, that his children loved one another, and
feasted together. The same is ours in you, which,
God continue. But you will not be offended, if we
pray that you may none of you curse God in your
hearts. Kemember the wheel is always in motion,
and the spoke that is uppermost will be under,** and
therefore mix tremblings always with your joy.
He much rejoiced in the visits of his children,
and made that, as other things, which were the mat-
ter of his rejoicing, the matter of his thanksgiving.
His usual saying, at parting, was ;— This is not the
world we are to be together in, and it is well it is
not ; but there is such a world before us. And his
usual prayer was,— That our next meeting might be
either in heaven, or further on in our way towards it
He had, in eight years' time, twenty-four grand-
children bom ; some by each of his children ; con-
cerning whom he would often bless God, that they
were all the sealed ones of the God of heaven, and
enrolled among his lambs. On the birth of his se-
cond grand-child, at a troublesome time as to pub-
lic affairs, he thus writes ;— I have now seen my cAt7-
dren*s children ; let me also see peace upon Israel ;
and then I will say,— Xorcf, now lettest thou thy ser-
vant depart. Some were much affected with it,
when he baptized two of his gprand-children together
at Chester, publicly, and preached on Genesis xzziii.
5. — Tltey are the children which God hath graciously
given thy servant. He observed in what a savoury,
pious, gracious manner Jacob speaks. He had
derBon*s Thirty-four Sermons, p. 34. fol. 1674 1 and an Expositioa
of the Ten Commandments, by John Dod and Robert Cleaver, p.
16. 4to. 1632.
An Old Biographer says ;~There are no preachers so experi-
mental, spiritual, powerf\il, courageous, awakening, convincing,
converting, compassionate, comforting, as those who have passed
tknmgh tkt pikn. Life of lilr. John Murcot, p. 5. prefixed to his
Works, ut nipra.
o Heavenly honour and glory, like a pole, or axle-tree, is fixed
and immoveable; but earthly is like a wheel that turns over and
over, and runs round ; that part which is now above, or aloft, will
by and by be below, and at bottom. Precepts for Christian Prac-
tice, by Edward Reyner. p. 184. duod. 1668. edit. 13th.
tHE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
113
spoken good sense if he had only said ; they are my
children ; bat then he had not spoken like Jacob,
like one that had so lately seen the face of God.
Though onr speech be not always of grace, yet it
most be always with grace ; grace poured into the
fips. There is a kind of language, the air of which
speaks it the lan^vAge of Canaan, Christians should
speak like Christians.
It was not long after his children were married
from him, but his house was filled again with the
children of several of his friends, whom he was, by
much importunity, persuaded to take to table with
him.' All that knew him, thought it a thousand
pities that such a master of a family should have
but a small family, and should not have many to sit
down under his shadow.^ He was first almost ne-
cessitated to it, by the death of his dear friend and
kinsman, Mr. Benyon, of Ash, who left his children
to his care. Some he took gratis, or for small con-
sideration ; and when, by reason of the advances of
age, he could not go about so much as he had done,
doing good, he laid out himself to do the more at
home. He kept a teacher to attend their school-
learning ; and they had the benefit not only of his
inspection in that, but, which was much more, his
family worship, sabbath instructions, catechising,
and daily converse, in which his tongue was as choice
silver^ and his lips fed many. Nothing but the hopes
of doing some good to the rising generation could
have prevailed virith him, to take this trouble upon him.
He would often say ; — We have a busy house, but
there is a rest remaining. We must be doing some-
thing in the world while we are in it ; but this fashion
will not last long, methinks I see it passing away.
Sometimes he had such with him as had gone
through their course of university-learning, at pri-
vate academies, and desired to spend some time in
his family, before their entrance upon the ministry,
Aat they might have the benefit, not only of his
public and family instructions, but of his learned
and pious converse,' in which, as he was thoroughly
furnished for every good word and work, so he was
very free and communicative. The great thing
which he used to press upon those who intended the
ministry, was to study the Scriptures, and make them
familiar. Bonus textuarius est bontis theologusj was
a maxim he often minded them of. For this purpose
he recommended to them the study of the Hebrew,
that they might be able to search the Scriptures in
F It would be interesting to see a list of his "Tablera," as his
papos desiirnate them, but an effort to furnish one has proved in-
elfectuaL Dr. Latbanu in a " Sermon preached at Uttoxeter, Biay
a6w 1745, on occasion of the Death of the Rev. Mr. Daniel BSadock,"
says ;—*« His first years were spent in old Mr. Philip Henry's fiu
mily. vbere be was early formed to piety as well as instructed in
good literatiire.** p. 27. oct 1745.
^ See SoL Song. cb. ii. v. a
r Mr. WUaoB, ofWarwick. an eminent young minister, (See Tong's
life ofMatthew Henry, pp. 48. 271 ) before he undertook a public
chaige doifed to spend some time in the family of the excellent
the original. He also advised tlicm to the use of an
interleaved Bible, wherein to iusertsuch expositions
and observations as occur occasionally in sermons
or other books : which he would say, are more happy
and considerable sometimes, than those that are
found in the professed conunentators. When some
young men desired the happiness of coming into his
family, he would tell them ; — You come to roe, as
Naaman did to Elisha, expecting that I should do
this and the other for you, and, alas, I can but say
as he did. Go, wash in Jordan, Go, study the Scrip-
tures. I profess to teach no other learning but
scripture-learning.
[Sometimes he would say ; — Prefer having eyes to
read the Scriptures, and be blind to every thing else,
rather than to read every thing else, and neglect the
Bible.* Christ is the lesson there taught, and it is a
lesson which it will do us abundant good to learn.
It is unspeakably satisfying to the understanding.
It is both sweet and comfortable, refreshing and
joyous. It is strangely renewing and changing
within, as to the inner man, by making the tree good,
bowing the will, and raising the affections ; and as
strangely reforming and mending without, in the
life and conversation.^]
It was but a little before he died, that, in reading
Isaiah 1. he observed, from verse 4. — The Lord hath
given me the tongue of the learned, ^'c. — That the true
learning of a gospel minister consists,-,.not in being
able to talk Latin fluently, and to dispute in philo-
sophy,— but in being able to speah a word in season
to weary souls. He that knows how to do that well,
is a learned minister.
[He still employed his edifying talent in letter-
writing, to the no small gratification of his friends.
In these communications he usually wrote with the
warmth of holy affection and zeal ; occasionally in-
dulging in a playfulness of expression, which served
to show how far he was from being gloomy, or mo-
rose. The following may be taken as examples : —
July 5, 1(J92.
Dear Sir ;
The change of your hand for so much the better,
made me altogether uncertain to whom I owed the
kindness of the printed paper, till your father in-
formed my ignorance, which is now quite removed
by your second letter. The tidings whereof, though
it be not like that of the former, as to the account it
Philip Henry; and said to a near relation of his,— He desired to
learn Mr. Henry's way of preaching, and praying, and living ; and,
says he. " If God will give me his Spirit, I shall be a happy per-
son." This desire or his was pleasing to God ; he had tlie oppor-
tunity, and most disceniible advantage by it. A Funeral Sermon
for the Rev. Mr. Samuel Slater, p. 26. 4to. 1704. By the Rev. W.
Tong.
t See Hildersam's Lecture upon the 4th of John, fol. IU29. Ad-
dress, " To the godly reader, whether minister or private Chris-
tian."
• P. Henry. Orig. MS.
114
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
gives of public affairs, yet as to this were very ac-
ceptable, that it assures me of the continuance of
your personal respect to, and remembrance of, un-
worthy me ; and also gives me good ground of hope,
that you are confirmed more and more in your choice
of tlie good ways of the Lord, the good old ways of
religion and godliness, as the ways you resolve to
walk in, though but few of your rank and circum-
stances, yea, very few, do so. And what then? Is
it not better to go to heaven with a remnant, than to
hell with a multitude ? Are diamonds and rubies
ever the less precious, because they are short in
number of tlie pebble stones ? I am glad to think
there is one the more for you ; and I hope. He that
hath begun the good work, the same will perform it
unto the dag of Jesus Christ, What you write of
the paralyzing atheism of the town, I am afraid is
too true ; but what do you think of such a thing as
a-christism ^ I am sure Ephesians ii. 12. mentions
both. How many are there that own a God, and
worship him, that have no regard to Christ Jesus in
doing so,— as if we could come to him, and have to
do with him, and receive from him, without a Medi-
ator ! How is he then the wag ? Hath he not said,
— No man cometh to the Father hut hg me f Is he the
way to those that do not walk in him, or an Advocate
to those that do not employ him ? The blessed Paul
could say. To me to live it Christ ; and if we can-
not, in some measure, say so too, to us to die will not
be gain. Dear Sir, give me leave, with all the affec-
tionate earnestness I can use, to recommend him to
your study and acquaintance ; and to entreat you to
abound therein more and more ; learn him, and love
him, and live him, and, my soul for yours, all will
be well. Learn him, for he is a good Lesson ; love
him, for he is a good Friend ; and live him, for he is
a good Pattern. Count upon it you can have no sin
pardoned without him : no strength to do your duty
without him ; no acceptation, when it is done, with-
out him ; no communion with God here, without
him ; and no heaven hereafter, without him. And
is there not good reason, then, why you should make
him your All in all, and use him accordingly?
I have been for some weeks, of late, a poor pri-
soner, under pain in an ill-affected limb, which still
continues ; but, I thank God, with less violence. I
am in hopes of creeping to the pulpit again, from
which, for three sabbaths, I have been excluded ; if
so, it shall be to preach Christ Jesus the Lord, the
Prince of our peace, and the Captain of our salvation ;
to whose acquaintance I again recommend yOQ ; and
rest,
Dear Sir,
Your truly loving friend, to serve you,
My wife is, with all due re- \ Philip Henry.
spects, remembered to you. f
a Origr. MS. Mr.HuntwasorBoreaUon, in Shropshire, and after,
wards a magistrate for the county. See antt, p. 52.
For Thomas Hunt, Esq.
In White Hart Yard,
In Fleet-street, London."
Dear Sir, Cousin, and Brother ;
You have authorized me more than ever to call
you so, since yon have superscribed your letter to
Mr. Philip Tallents, at Broad Oke. It was no mis-
take ; for my name is Philip, and I am Talients's ;
obliged his, adopted his. As to Mr. Hal, I have
not yet a conveniency for him, there having been no
vacancy made as yet, as I expected. If he will
please to come guestvrise for a night or two, he shall
be welcome. It may be, the sight of our mean cir-
cumstances, when he sees them, will give him enough
to prevent inquiring further ; for they are really poor
and mean.
We do both of us most affectionately salute you
both in our dear Lord. He that told us you talked
of letting us see you here together, when the days
and ways would permit, did make us really glad.
Many thanks to you for your kind entertainment of
my last Mercury. The Lord Almighty be your Sun
and Shield! Amen, This from.
Dear Cousin and Brother,
Yours to serve you,
Jan. 12,1602-3. Philip Henry.
For tlie Rev. Mr. Tallents,
At Salop.
These,'
I send you these few lines to be your remembrancer
when you do not see me. You are now come out
of the age of childhood ; and, though when you
were a child, you thought and spake as a child, and
understood as a child, it will be time for you now to
put awag childish things. You must begin to bethink
yourself for what you are come into this world ; not
to eat, and drink, and play, but to glorify God, and
save your soul. You are, bg nature, a child of wratky
even as other's ; your understanding dark ; your
mind carnal, and that carnal mind no better than
downright enmitg against God, — prone to all manner
of evil, and backward to all manner of good. Do
not you find it so, every day, in every thing ? Must
there not, then, be a change ? Must you not be re-
newed in the spirit of your mind, bom again, passed
from death to life ? You must, if you will be saved,
for none but new creatures are fit for the New Jeru-
salem.
And is the good work wrought in you ? When ?
Where? How was it? How long is it since you
closed with Christ upon gospel terms, taking him to
be yours,— giving yourself to him to be his. I do
not mean in word and tongue only ; — I have often
heard you so do it, but tn deed and truth ; in secret,
' T Orif . MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
115
^od and yoar own soul, where no eye hath
no ear hath heard ; from a due sight and
four lost condition without him; as one
ry of the heavy yoke of sin and Satan, —
bed no longer to draw in it, laying your
er Christ's sweet and easy yoke. If you
done this, do it before you sleep ; do it
u proceed any further. Once well done,
done fw ever. Can you give any good
the contrary, why you should not? either
iiing itself, or as to the speedy doing of it?
begin too soon to be Christ's ? Is any time
the present time ? Until this be done, you
i of the devil, and heir of the curse and
ition. The guilt of all your past sins is
r score. God is your enemy. But assure
as soon as it is done aright, and as it ought
e, in the very moment in which you repent
ve the gospel, and receive Christ Jesus the
>e your Prince and Saviour, you arc immc-
ade a child of God, and an heir of heaven ;
last sins are forgiven ; your peace is made ;
omises in the Bible are yours, both con-
tiis life and the other. No evil thing shall
1 ; no good thing shall be wanting to you.
lot that a blessed dondition? Will it not
e for ever, that you might so easily have
rd, and would not? And why would you
hecauMe you would not? They t&at hate
cath, says wisdom. Do you love death,-—
^th ? I hope you do not.
ame-sake, Mary, made a wise choice, and
t be yours. When she had an opportunity
all other matters aside, and sat down at
eet, and heard his word. So do you love
e, take your alone meals out of it every
ides what you have in common with the
Be sure you read and hear with applica-
t the word of Christ dwell richly in you,
»usiness of prajring ; though you cannot do
would,' do it as you can ; — to him that hath
iven. Remember, it is to a Father, and let it
name of Christ, and it shall not be in vain,
r 'place and calling be diligent, humble,
y. Take heed of vain companions, either
omen, lest you be insnarcd by them. Let
s be modest, and according to your place,
ng every fine thing that you see others have,
ing to be like them. Learn Peter's good
be clothed with humility ; and, to put on
ny knawledge, and do speik my conscience, that sa
s wtit and drink is to the presenratioun of lyfe cor-
\o neceflarie as the helt and brjrghtnes of the sone is
oyng of the hcrbisand to expell darknes; sa neces-
to lyfe everlasting, and to the illuminaution and
nule, the perpetuall meditation, exercis, and use of
word. Let na day slip over without sum comfort
le mouth oi God ^ open your earis. and he will speik
g thiD^l* ^o y^^ ^^^'^' Knox's Letter of Instructions
itants of ScoUand. Life, by Dr M'Crie, vol L p. 416.
f 2
the ornament of a meeh and quiet spirit, which is^ in
the sight of God, of great price.
I have not room to enlarge ; if you receive it, and
heed it, it is enough ; if not, it is too much.
The grace of our Lord Jesus he with you. Amen,
P. H.
August 1, leoa.y
Bear Brother ;
I received yours by Mr. Travers ;• and, though I
am so near you, and though it be so much in my
desires to see you both, yet, being at present not in
a capacity to do it, through my great indisposedncss
to travel, further than needs must, (especially winter
travel, unless about my Master's immediate work,)
yet, having so fair an opportunity, a line is better
than nothing, if it be only to wish you both a holy,
^^^PPy* ^^^ yc^r* &Dd to present you with a new-
year's gift, — which is, a half-moon, the body of the
sun, and the fourth part of a star ; which, when you
have put together, you will find me^ as always.
Dear sir,
Tour coRdial brother,
. Friend, Cousin, Servant,
Jan. 1, 1693-4. P. H.
the laoth day of
my dying year.'
For the Rev. Mr. Fran. Tallents, at Salop :
This, with my hearty love and respects.**
Mar. 20, 1603-4.
DD SS. ;«
It is as long since we heard from you, as it is since
you heard from us ; and we thought it long. As
yours to us brings no evil tidings from the wood,°
so neither doth this to you from the oak. Your
mother continues to mend, through God's goodness,
and bids me tell you she is better,— God be praised,
— to day, than she was yesterday, and yesterday
than the day before. She is come down stairs, and
that is, to her, like launching into a sea again ; for
we have at present a troublesome house of it. Oh,
that you and we may be better after late corrections !
For, though no affliction, for the present, seemeth to
be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless, afterwards,-^
afterwards, it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of right-
eousness,
z See a Sermon by P. Henry, on GaL v. 17.— So that jr# cmmtt
do the things that ye w<ndd,—\ik the Cong. Mag. y. 7. p. 230.
7 The above letter was *' written by my honoured fother, Bfr.
Henry, to a young woman newly gone fVom her parents to senrice
in Chester ; Mary Web, now Mrs. Frail " Mn. Savage. Orig. MS-
I See Tong's Life of Matthew Henry, p. S&O, «/ supra.
• See j»o«/. p. 216.
b Orig. MS.
e Dear Daughter, Sarah Savage.
d Wrenbury Wood, Mrs Savage's residence.
110
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
This is the 210th day of my commonly dying
year. Lord, teach me to number aright. Amen !
Our love and blessing are to you both, and to all
yours.
The God of love and peace be with you,
This, from
Your loving Father,
For Mrs. Savage. P. H.«
Bor. May 14.
264, d. I(i04.
Dear and Honoured Brother ;
I should have answered your last sooner, but
wanted opportunity of sending it. I rejoice in the
continuance of your mercies, that your bow doth yet
abide in ttrengthy and that my dear sister also is
spared to you in her usefulness. The Lord's most
holy name be blessed and praised for it ! It seems you
have your mixtures for exercise. God will have
you yet to shine brighter ; the dish-clouts that he
makes use of, must help to do it ; theirs the shame,
yours the honour. Qui volens detrahit famas f ucr,
nolens volens addit mercedi husJ It is a sign we
gallop in our way,' when the dogs follow us bark-
ing. Slack not your pace, though they do so. There
will as certainly be a resurrection of names,** as of
bodies, and both with advantage. Both as the sun
at noon day. I know not when I shall be so happy
as to see you at Salop, though I much desire it I
am like a traveller's horse that knows its stages,
which, if he exceed, he tires, and is the worse for it.
Hither, once a quarter, is my non plus ultra, I have
not been at Chester, though I have many loadstones
there, above these thirteen months.
Once a week, and sometimes twice, I keep my
circuit of two miles, or four miles, each Wednesday,
by which time I am recovered from my sabbath
weariness ; and, by the time I am recovered from
that, the sabbath work returns again ; so that I am
never not weary. But why do I tell you this?—
That I may boast what a labourer I am ? I am a
loiterer, a trifler, a slug. Magnis conatibtis nihil ago.
It is that you may know wherein to help me with
your prayers. Beg for me, that I may be found
faithful, and that, while I preach to others, I myself
may not be a cast-away, I have some hope, through
grace, that I shall not ; but the heart is deceitful,
the devil is busy, and God is just and holy. Only
this I trust to, ^Christ hath died, yeA, rather, is
risen again.
e Orig. MS.
f Augustine : with mtm altered to tua.
g Mr. .William Fenner, of Essex* that eminent servant of Jesus
Christ, was so taken with the active spirit of Mr. Wilson, that he
said.—" I am even ashamed of myself to see bow Bilr. Wilson
gallopeth towards heaven, and I do but creep on at a snail's
pace." Clark's Live^ p. 34. fol. 1683.
h " There shall be a resurrection, not only of bodies, but of
credits." The Bruised Reed and Smoaking Flax, by Dr. Sibbs,
p. 113. duod. 1808. 9th ed.
Dear love, and service to you both. The Lord
himself be your everlasting portion. Amen.
This, from
Your affectionate obliged Brother,
Friend, Servant in our dear Lord,
For Mr. Francis Tallents, P. fl.'
At Salop.
These.
Aug. 13, 355 d. 1694.
Dear Cousin and Brother ;
I came from home on Saturday, not without some
hopeful thoughts of seeing you two, and dear Mr.
Bryan,'' in his present illness, this day; but the
weather and ways are grown suddenly such, that
really. Sir, I dare not venture, for my strength will
not bear it ; and I dare not tempt God. I am there-
fore hastening back to my nest, where the young
ones are at present such, and so many, that the poor
hen, though she can do as much as another, yet,
alone, cannot manage them without me. *If we do
any good, it is well ; the Lord accept of it in Christ ;
but, I am sure, it is not without a great deal of care
and cumber to ourselves in our declining age. It
was a special providence to gratify dear Cos.
Benyon, that at first brought us into it ; and I wait
upon the same providence, in what way the Lord
pleases, for there are many ways, to let us fairly out
again, that we may not break prison. I pray this,
once more, accept of this true excuse ; and give my
dear love and respects to good Mr. Bryan, and tell
him, my heart is with him, and my daily prayers
are to God for him. If there be more work to be
done, well ; he shall recover to do it ; if not, better,
(for him better, whatever for others,) there is a rest
remaining. We serve a good Master.
Dearest love to you both. The Eternal God be
your refuge ; and underneath you be his everlasting
arms, living, dying. Amen !
For the worthy Mr. Tallents,
At Salop.
These.']
CHAPTER IX.
MIS SICKNB88, DXATH, AND BURIAL.
In the time of his health, he made death very fami-
liar to himself, by frequent and pleasing thoughts
1 Orig. MS.
k Tlie Rev. John Bryan, M. A. He was Minister of St Chad's
Church, in Shretrsbury, till Aug. 24. 1662. He died Aug. 31.
1689.
" 1609, Sept. 2. I heard of the death of good Mr. Bryan, of Salop:
an aged nonconfonnittt, and a bold, zealous preacher of the truth ;
gone to receive his fTell done." Mrs. Savage's Diary. Oiig. MS.
A portrait, in oil, of Mr. Bryan, is in the editor's possession. See
Palmer's Noncon. Mem. v. 13. p. 15.
» P Henry. Orig. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
117
and meditations of it ; and endeavoured to make it
so to his friends, by speaking often of it. His letters
and discoarses had still something or other which
spoke his constant expectations of death. Thus did
be learn to die daily. And it is hard to say whether
it was more easy to him to speak, or uneasy to his
friends to hear him speak, of leaving the world. This
minds me of a passage I was told by a worthy Scotch
minister, Mr. Patrick Adair, that, visiting the fam-
ous Mr. Durham,* of Glasgow, in his last sick-
ness, which was long and lingering, he said to him.
Sir, I hope you have so set all in «»rder, that you
have nothing else to do but to die.^ ** I bless God,''
said Mr. Durham, " I have not had that to do
neither these many years.'' Such is the comfort of
dying daily, when we come to die indeed.
[Mr. Henry, some time before his last illness, had
a severe attack of disease, which greatly excited the
alarm of his friends. His excellent wife was then on
a visit to Mrs. Savage, at Wrenbury Wood. How
his own mind was affected by the apparent approach
of the last enemy will be seen by the following
letter :—
Dear Daughter ;
This is to yon because of yours to me. I am glad
to see you so well so quickly, as to be able to write,
— ^that your rip hi hand hath not forgot its cunning ;
neither hath mine yet. I had an ill day yesterday,
and an ill night after, but ease came in the morn-
ing. I have been preaching Christ, the door to God,
and letting a little one in to him by the door of bap-
tism, and hope for strength for the afternoon work,
though in some pain, yet less than deserved. Your
mother hath sometimes told me, she could not en-
dure to see me die, and for that reason I was glad
she was away, for I thought, all night, there was
in/ a step. Here are many people, and they are come
to hear of Christ ; and willing, I am, they should,
and that they should learn what I have learned of
him. I can cheerfully say, — Lord, now lettest thou
thy servant depart in peace !^ God increase your
strength, and especially your thankfulness, and
write the name of the child in the booh of the living.
My dear love to my wife, and to yourself and
husband, and all the rest. I am glad that she is
• He died 25th June, 165a »t. 36. Biogrephia Scoticana, p.
»S^ 1796.
b When Dr. Googe was visited by his (Viends in his sickness, he
often said,-" I am willin; to die ; having, I bless God, nothing to
do bat to die." Clark's Lives annexed to the Martyrologie, p.
246. wt nfra.
• IflGP, Nov. 17. Ill of the cold, which provoked other distem.
perSk insomuch that, for a time, I despaired even uf lire. Apt to
fcint; and what is death, but a very little more? Lord. I bless
thee, that I can look death in the face with comfort, knowing
that my redempli»m draweth nigk. P. Henry. Diary, Orig. MS.
• P. Henry. Orig. MS.
• He was, all bis days, a pattern of temperance in eating and
drinking, at>oTe any that 1 have known, as to time, quantity, aod
quality. U£t. Orig. MS. mi npra.
acceptable to you, and am willing she should be so,
while she and you please.
The Lord everlasting be your portion ! **
For Mrs. Sarah Savage,
At Wrenbury Wood.]
Mr. Henry's constitution was but tender, and
yet, by the blessing of God upon his great temper-
ance,* and care of his diet, and moderate exercise
by walking in the air, he did for many years enjoy
a good measure of health, which he used to call, —
The sugar that sweetens all temporal mercies ; for
which, therefore, we ought to be very thankful, and
of which we. ought to be very careful.
He had sometimes violent fits of the colic, which
would be very afilictive for the time. Towards the
latter end he was distressed sometimes with a pain,
which his doctor thought might arise from a stone
in his kidneys. Being once upon the recovery
from an ill fit of that pain, he said to one of his
friends, that asked him how he did, — he hoped, by
the grace of God, he should now be able to give one
blow more to the devil's kingdom ; and often pro-
fessed, he did not desire to live a day longer than
he might do God some service. He said to another,
when he perceived himself rccovering,^-Well, I
thought I had been putting into the harbour, but I
find I must to sea again.'
He was sometimes suddenly taken with fainting
fits, which, when he recovered from, he would say,—
Dying is but a little more.
When he was in the sixty-third year of his age,
which is commonly called the grand climacteric,
and hath been to many the dying year, and was so
to his father, he numbered the days of it, from
August 24, 1G93, to August 24, 1694, when he finished
it. And when he concluded it he thus wrote in his
Diary ; — This day finisheth my commonly dying
year, which I have numbered the days of; and
should now apply my heart, more than ever, to hea-
venly wisdom.
He was much pleased with that expression of our
English Liturgy in the office of burial, and frequent-
ly used it ;— ** In the midst of life we are in death."
The infirmities of age, when they grew upon him,
did very little abate his vigour and liveliness in
He never took tobacco, ir asked concerning it. he would say,
he was not come to it yet ; but he did not know what he might
do ; having known some who had vigorously resolved against it,
but atlerwards were persuaded to it. Ibid.
It is said or the learned Dr. Barrow, that he was very free in the
use of tobacco, believing it did help to regulate his thinking. Life,
prefixed to his Works, vol. d. fol. 1683.
f Sir Henry Wotton, being visited in his latter days by his
learned friend, the celebrated Mr. Hales, of Eton, said to hiio,—
•' I now see that I draw near my harbour of death ; that Aarbovr that
will secure me from all the future ttorwu and wavet of this restless
world ; and, I praise God, I am willing to leave it, and expect a
better." Walton's Lives, by Dr. Zouch, v. I. p. 284. See, also^
Clarke's Lives annexed to the Martyrologie, «/ tnpro, p. 171.
118
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
preaching, but he seemed even to renew his youth
as the eagles ; as those that are planted in the house
of the Lord, who still bring forth fi'uit in old age ;
not so much to show that they are upright, as to
show that the Lord is upright. Psalm xcii. 14, 15.
But, in his latter years, travelling was very trouble-
some to him ; and he would say, as Mr. Dod used
to do, that, when he thought to shahe himself as at
other times, he found his hair was cut ;> his sense of
this led him to preach an occasional sermon not long
before he died, on John xxi. IS,— When thou wast
young, thou girdedst thyself, ifc. Another occasional
sermon he preached when he was old,** for his own
comfort, and the comfort of his aged friends, on
Psalm Ixxi. 17, 18. — O God, thou hast taught me
from my youth, Sfc. He observed there, — That it is
a blessed thing to be taught of God from our youth ;
and those that have been taught of God from their
youth, ought to declare his wondrous works all their
days after. And those that have been taught of God
from their youth, and have all their days declared
his wondrous works, may comfortably expect, that
when they are old he will not forsake them. Christ
is a Master that doth not use to oast off his old
servants.^
[On another occasion, he writes ;— It was David's
prayer ; — O God, thou hast taught me from my youth,
and hitherto have I declared all thy wondrous works.
Now, also, when I am old and grey-headed, O God,
forsake me not ! And we should thus pray. For, when
God forsakes, it is like as when the soul forsakes the
body. There is nothing left but a carcass. It is as
when the sun forsakes the earth, which causes night
and winter. It is as when the fountain forsakes the
cistern, for God alone is the Fountain. It is as when
the father forsakes the children. It is as when the
pilot forsakes the ship ; then she is in great danger of
rocks and quicksands. It is as when the physician
forsakes the patient, which is not till the case is
desperate. It is as when the guide forsakes the tra-
veller, and then he is exposed to many dangers.*']
For some years before ho died, he used to com-
plain of an habitual weariness, contr&cted, he
thought, by his standing to preach, sometimes very
uneasily, and in inconvenient places, immediately
after riding. He would say, every minister was not
cut out for an itinerant ; and sometimes the manifest
attention and affection of people in hearing, en-
larged him both in length and fervency, somewhat
more than his strength could well bear. It was
r See Judges xvi. 19, 30. and the Account of the Rev. John
Dod. in Fuller's Church History, ni mtfn, B. xi. p. 2S0.
h April 28, 1692.
1 Appendix, No. XXIV.
\ P. Henry. From Mrs. Sarage^s MSS.
1 The body of him who hath, in truth, given his name to Clirist
and his gainfull service, shall goe into the grave, as into a chamber
or rest, and bed of downe, sweetly perfumed unto it by the sacred
^od^ of the Sonne of God lying in the grave. Directions for a
not many months before he died, that he wrote thus
to a dear relation, who inquired solicitously con-
cerning his health ; — I am always habitually weary,
and expect no other till I lie down in the bed of spices.
And, blessed be God, so the g^ve is to all the
saints,' since he lay in it, who is the Rose of Sharon,
and the Lily of the Valleys. When some of his
friends persuaded him to spare himself, he would
say ; — It is time enough to rest when I am in the
grave. What were candles made for, but to bum ? *"
[One of the last letters he wrote to Mrs. Savage
is thus expressed ; and it manifests the enlightened
and calm anticipation he indulged as to his final
change ; —
May 28, 1605.
Dear Daughter ;
You arc loath to part with your lister, but you
know this is not the world we are to be together in ;
and, besides, it is to a father and mother, that are
to be but a while, either for her or you to come to.
These short partings should mind us of the long one,
which will be shortly, but then the meeting again,
to be together /or ever, and with the Lord, is very
comfortable in the hope ; and much more will it be
so in the fruition. Two that awhile ago were of ust
Ann D. and Susan, are gone before ; and, as sure
as they are gone, we are also going, in the time and
order appointed.
Our dear love and blessing are to all and each.
Farewell.
Your loving father,
P. H.»]
It doth not appear that he had any particular pre-
sages of his death ; but many instances there were of
his actual gracious expectation of it, somewhat
more than ordinary, for some time before. The last
visit he made to his children in Chester, was in July,
1695, almost a year before he died, when he spent
a Lord's day there, and preached on the last verse
of the Epistle to Philemon ;-*TAe grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with your spirit. By grace, he un-
derstood not so much the good will of God towards
us, as the good work of God in us ; called the grace
of Christ, both because he is the Author and Finish-
er of it, and because he is the I^ittem and Sam-
plar of it. Now the choicest gift we can ask of God
for our friends, is, that this grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ may be with their spirit. This is the one thing
comfortable Walking with God, by Robert Bolton, B.D. 4to. 1638.
Ep. Ded.
n ** You are as a candle, the better part burnt out."
Shakspeare. Second Part of Henry IV. Act 1. Scene i.
See Matt v. \5. Mark, iv. 21, 22. Luke, viii 16,17. zi. 33.
We are wasted as candles. What matter, so we may liglit our
people to heaven! Mr. Steele, at an Ordination, Nov. 15,1659.
Philip Henry's MS.
> Ong. MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
119
needful J the better party the root of the matter, the
wkole man, the principal thingy the more excellent
vcy, a blessing indeed, and the thing that accompanies
ialvaiian. The grace of Christ in the spirit enlight-
ens and enlivens the spirit, softens and suhdues the
spirit, purifies and preserves the spirit, greatens and
guides the. spirit, sweetens and strengthens the
spirit ; and therefore, what can be more desirable ?
A spirit 9dthout the grace of Christ, is a field with-
oat a fence, a fool without understanding ; it is a
horse without a bridle, and a house without furni-
ture ; it is a ship without tackle, and a soldier with-
>ut armour ; it is a cloud without rain, and a carcass
irithout a soul ; it is a tree without fruit, and a
traveller without a guide. How earnest, therefore,
Uiould we be in praying to God for grace both for
ourselves and for our relations. He had intended to
preach upon that text when he was at Chester the
year before, but was then prevented by a particular
sad occasion, which obliged him to a funeral ser- ■
mon, Di?inc Providence reserving that benediction,
which his heart was much upon, for his valediction.
The Thursday following, being kept as a fast in
his son's congregation at Chester, he preached on
Luke xix. 41. — He beheld the city, and wept over it ;
—which proved his farewell to the town, as the for-
mer was his farewell to his friends and relations in it.
It was not many weeks before he died, that he
wrote thus to one of his children : — We are well
here, thanks be to God, and are glad to hear that
you and yours are well also ; God, in mercy, con-
tinue it ! But why should we be well always ? Do
we deserve it ? Are there no mixtures in our obe-
dience ? Are there any persons or families, at whose
door sickness and death never knocked ? Must the
tvrth beforsahen for us, or the rock removed out of its
place f Is it not enough that we be dealt with ac-
eording to the manner of men ? And that we have a
promise, that it shall end well, everlastingly well.
To another of his children, about the same time,
he writes : We are sensible that we decline apace,
hat the best of it is, that as time goes, eternity
comes ; and we are in good hope, through grace, that
it will be a comfortable eternity.
It was in April, 1696, a few weeks before he died,
that his son's father-in-law, Robert Warburton, Esq."
was gathered to his grave in peace, in a good old age*
Upon the tidings of whose death, Mr. Henry wrote
thas to his son : — Your fathers, where are they ?
Your father-in-law gone, and your own father going;
• Of HctTerston Grange in Cheshire. See Tong's Lire ofBlatthew
Henry, v/n^o, p. 108. Nicbors Lit. Anecd. v. 5. pp. 529,530.
Mr. Matthew Henry married his daughter, Mrs. Mary Warburton,
July 8, 1690. See also Blr. Tong's Sermon on the Death of Matthew
Henry, 4to. 1714. Dedication.
f Nat. Nov. 1619 i ob. April 11, 170& See his Life in this
volame.
He was an inUmate acquaintance of the Hon. Robert Boyle.
Bitig. Brit Y. a p. 496. n. F.
but you have a God-Father that lives for ever. He
was wont, sometimes, to subscribe his letters,— Your
ever-loving, but not ever-living, father.
It was not a month before he died, that, in a letter
to his very dear and worthy friend and brother, Mr.
Tallents,P of Shrewsbury, he had this passage :—
Methinks it is strange, that it should be your lot
and mine, to abide so long on earth by the stuff,'^
when so many of our friends are dividing the spoil
above, but God will have it so ; and to be willing to
live in obedience to his holy will, is as true an act
of grace, as to be willing to die When he calls, espe-
cially when life is labour and sorrow. But when it
is labour and joy, service to his name, and some
measure of success and comfort in serving him ;
when it is to stop a gap, and stem a tide, it is to be
rejoiced in ; it is heaven upon earth ; nay, one
would think, by the psalmist's oft repeated plea
Psalms vi. xxx. Ixxxviii. cxv. cxviii. that it were
better than to be in heaven itself. And can that be ?
[In a manuscript, showing wherein the happiri^s
of heaven consists, he has thus expressed his views.
We shall see God, Matthew v. 8. Job xix. 26. This
^ill be a clear sight, 1 Corinthians xiii. 12. 1 John
iii. 2. transforming, Psalm xvii. 15. and satisfying,
John xiv. 8. We shall enjoy the presence of Jesus
Christ, John xvii. 24. Phiiippians i. 23.' — and have
society with glorified saints, Matthew viii. 11. There
will be freedom from sin and sorrow, Revelations
vii. 17. It will be a heavenly sabbath, Hebrews iv.
9. which will dllTer from sabbaths now, — in the ex-
ercises to be performed : there will be all praise ;
no mourning for sin. — In the frame of our hearts for
the performance: our affections will be raised. —
In the place: it will be our Father's house. — In the
continuance : there will be no intermissions, no part-
ing, no night Now, while we are sanctifying the sab-
bath, others are piofaning it ; but then all shall join.']
A little before his sickness and death, being sum-
mer time, he had several of his children and his
children's children about him, at Broad Oak, with
whom he was much refreshed, and very cheerful ;
but ever and anon spoke of the fashion he was in, as
passing away ; and often told them, he should be
there but a while to bid them welcome. And he
was observed frequently in prayer, to beg of God,
that he would make us ready for that which would
come certainly, and might come suddenly. One
asking him how he did, he answered,— I find the
chips fly off apace, the tree vnll be down shortly.'
q 1 Sam. xxx. 24.
r The happiness of heaven consists in being with Christ; That
they may be with me. Thoughts of this are reviving, and should be
improved, as a cordial, to keep from fainting under any trouble ;
as a spur, to put us forward in duty ; as a bridle, to restrain from
sin ; and as a loadstone, to draw our aflections upward. P. Henry.
Mem. of Mrs. Savage, p. 2ia nt npra.
• P. Henry. Orig MS.
t When King James the First was informed of the death of his
120
THE UFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
The last time he administered the Lord's sapper,
a fortnight before he died, he closed the administra-
tion with that scripture, 1 John iii. 2. It dotk not yet
appear what we shall he ; not yet, but it will shortly.
The sabbath but one before he died, being, in the
course of his exposition, come to that difficult part
of Scripture, the 40th of Ezekiel, and the following
chapters, he said he would endeavour to explain
those prophecies to them ; and added,— If I do not
do it now, I never shall. And he observed, that the
only prophetical sermon which our Lord Jesus
preached, was but a few days before he died. This
many of his hearers not only reflected upon after-
wards, but took notice of at that time with a concern,
as having something in it more than ordinary.
On the Lord's day, June 21, 1696, he went through
the work of the day with his usual vigour and live-
liness. He was then preaching over the first chap-
ter of St. Peter's Second Epistle, and was that day
on those words. Add to your faith virtue^^ vcxse 5.
Ho* took virtue for Christian courage and resolution
in the exercise of faith ; and the last thing he men-
tioned, in which Christians have need of courage,
is in dying ; for, as he was often used to say, it is a
serious thing to die, and to die is a work by itself."^
[He that would not die when he must,* and he
that would die when he must not, are both alike
cowards.*
A Christian's desire of life, he sometimes re-
marked, should proceed from a desire of honouring
God with his life, as it was with Paul. Phillppians
i. 23, 24 J]
That day he gave notice, both morning and after-
noon, with much affection and enlargement, of the
public fast, which was appointed by authority the
Friday following, June 26. pressing his hearers, as
he used to do upon such occasions, to come in a
prepared frame, to the solemn services of that day.
The Tuesday following, June 23, ho rose at six
o'clock, according to his custom, after a better night's
sleep than ordinary, and in wonted health. Between
seven and eight o'clock he performed family worship,
according to the usual manner ; he expounded very
largely the former half of the 104th Psalm, and sung
it ; but he was somewhat shorter in prayer than he
used to be, being then, as it was thought, taken ill.
Blessed is that servanty whom his Lord, when he com-
cthy shall find so doing. Immediately after prayer
fayourite, James, Marquis of Hamilton, he said. If Uie hranchn be
thut cut down^ the stock cannot coiUinue long. Walton's Lives by Dr.
Zouch. V. 2. pp. 50, 51.
u This was bis last subject. See the discourse among " Eighteen
Sermons," by Philip Henry, p. 350. ut supra.
▼ My dear father's prayer for such usually was.— When they
come to do a work they never did, let them have that strength and
prace they never had.— This once to die.— What emphasis has it !
Mrs Savage's Diary. Orig. MS.
w Moses and Aaron, like well nurtured children, went to bed
when they were bidden, though great provision was making ready
for others. P. Henry. Com. Place Book. Orig MS. See also Dr
he retired to his chamber, not saying any thing of
his illness, but was soon after found upon his bed
in great extremity of pain in his back, breast, and
bowels ; it seemed to be a complicated fit of the
stone and colic together in very great extremity.
The means that had been used to give him relief in
his illness were altogether ineffectual. He had not
the least intermission or remission of pain, neither
up nor in bed, but [was] in a continual toss. He
had said sometimes, that God's Israel may find Jor-
dan rough ; but there is no remedy, they must through
it to Canaan ; and would tell of a good man who
used to say, — he was not so much afraid of death as
of dying.* We know they are not the godly people,
part of the description of whose condition it is, that
there are no bands in their death, and yet [it is of
the godly alone that we can say,] their end is peace,
and their death gain, and they have hope in it
In this extremity he was still looking up to God,
and calling upon him, who is a present help in the
needful hour.
[He had been accustomed to remark when in usual
health, — Prayer is never out of season, but it is in a
special manner seasonable when we are sick and
come to die, — Christ's last breath was praying breath,
— then we take our leave of prayer for ever. Those
that do not pray while they live, cannot expect to
be heard and accepted when they come to die.*]
When the exquisiteness of his pain forced groans
and complaints from him, he would presently cor-
rect himself with a patient and quiet submission to
the hand of his heavenly Father, and a cheerful ac-
quiescence in his heavenly will. I am ashamed,
saith he, of these groans, I want virtue, O for virtue
now when I have need of it, referring to his subject
the Lord's day before. Forgive me that I groan thus,
and I will endeavour to silence them. But, indeed,
my stroke is heavier than my groaning. It is true
what Mr. Baxter said in his pain, there is no dis-
puting against sense. It was his trouble, as it was
Mr. Baxter's, that by reason of his bodily pain, he
could not express his inward comfort ; however, that
was it with which God graciously strengthened him
in his soul. He said to those about him, they must re-
member what instructions and counsels he had given
them when he was in health, for now he could say
but little to them ; [he could] only refer them to what
he had said, as that which he would live and die by.
Sibb's Soules Conflict, p. 36-2. duod. 1651. x P. Henry.
Orig. MS. It was the speech of dying Julian. See Swinnock's
Christian Man's Calling, part. iii. p. 618. 4to. 1665.
y P. Henry. Orig. MS
« Would you be above the fear of death,- get an interest in
Christ,— labour to know thy interest in Christ, 2 Cor. v. 1. 9, &c.
—lave in the fear of God, Luke xii. 4, 6— Learn to die daily, i
Cor. XV. 31. in meditation ; in expectation ; Job ziv. 1-L Ps.
xliv. ^2.— Sit loose from the world ; keep a good conscience ; live
by faith ; 2 Cor. iv. 18; v. I.&c. P. Henry. Orig. MS.
• P. Henry. Mr. Matthew Henry's MS.
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
121
It was two or three hoars after he was taken ill,
before he would suffer a messenger to be sent to
Chester for his son, and for the doctor, saying,^He
ihould either be better, or dead before they could
come ; but at last he said, as the prophet did to his
importiinate friends, — Send.** About eight o'clock
that evening they came, and found him in the same
extremity of pain, which he had been in all day.
And nature being before spent with his constant and
indefatigable labours in the work of the Lord, now
sank, and did perfectly succumb under its burthen,
and was quite disabled to grapple with so many
hours' incessant pain. What further means were
then used proved fruitless, and did not answer the
intention. He apprehended himself going apace,
and said to his son when he came in, — Oh son, you
are welcome to a dying father. / am now ready to
be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
His pain continued very acute, but he had peace
within. / am tormented, said he once, but, blessed
be God, not in this flame ;^ and soon after, I am all
on fire, (when at the same time his extreme parts
were cold,) but he presently added, — Blessed be God,
it is not the fire of hell. To some of his next neigh-
boars who came in to see him, for those at a distance
had not notice of his illness, he said, — Oh, make
•are work for your souls, by getting an interest in
Christ while you are in health, for if I had that work
to do now, what would become of me? But I bless
God I am satisfied. It was a caution he was often
wont to give, — See to it, that your work be not un-
done, when your time is done, lest you be undone
for ever.
Towards ten or eleven o'clock that night, his pulse
and sight began to fail ; of the latter he himself took
notice, and inferred from it the near approach of his
dissolution. He took an affectionate farewell of his
dear yoke-fellow, with a thousand thanks for all her
love, and care, and tenderness ; left a blessing for
all his dear children, and their dear yoke-fellows,
and little ones, that were absent. He said to his
son, who sat under his head, — Son, the Lord bless
you, and grant that you may do worthily in your
generation, and be more serviceable to the church
of God than I have been ; such was his great humi-
lity to the last. And when his son replied. Oh, Sir,
pray for me that I may but tread in your steps ; he
answered, — Yea, follow peace and holiness, and let
them say what they will. More he would have
said, to bear his dying testimony to the way in which
he had walked, but nature was spent, and he had
not strength to express it.
His understanding and speech continued almost
to the last breath, and he was still in his dying
agonies calling upon God, and committing himself
to him. One of the last words he said, when he
w See 2 Kingi ii. n. c See Luke xvi. 24.
4 See Mattbew Henry's Sermons on these words, July 8, 1696. I
found himself just ready to depart, was,— O death,
• where is thy— ;<' with that his speech faltered, and
within a few minutes, after about sixteen hours' ill-
ness, he quietly breathed out his precious soul into
the embraces of his dear Redeemer, whom he had
trusted, and faithfully served in the work of the
ministry, about forty-three years.* He departed
between twelve and one o'clock in the morning of
June 24, Midsummer-day, in the sixty-fifth year of
his age. Happy, thrice happy, he to whom such a
sudden change was no surprise, and who could
triumph over death, as an unstung, disarmed enemy,
even when he made so fierce an onset He had often
spoke of it as his desire, that if it were the will of
God, he might not outlive his usefulness; and it
pleased God to grant him his desire, and give him a
short passage from the pulpit to the kingdom, from the
height of his usefulness, to receive the recompcnccof
reward. So was it ordered by him, in whose hands
our times are.
[The afflicting dispensation was communicated
to Mr. Tallcnts, in the folldwing interesting letter.
Broad Oke, June 24, 96*
Honoured Sir;
Here is an opportunity that offers itself soon
enough to bring you the evil tidings of this place
and day. My dear and honoured father was this
time yesterday as usual, worshipping God witli his
family, and in wonted health ; but, presently after,
was seized with violent pain and sickness. It was
in g^eat extremity, and without any intermission ;
means used gave him no relief. Doctor Tylston and
I had speedy notice of his illness sent us to Chester^
and came hither last night, and found him very ill.
Nature, being decayed with his great labours in the
work of the Lord, was not able to bear up under it,
but sunk away apace under the heavy load of pain ;
and a little after midnight he quietly breathed outhis
dear soul into the hands of the Lord Jesus, in whom
he now sleeps. Oh, Sir, this is a sad providence, and
so sudden, that I am as one stunned. I cannot
express my loss. I have many things to write to you
concerning it, but I am in haste, and much confused.
We intend, if the Lord will, to lay up the mantle of
this translated prophet in the wardrobe of the grave,
upon Saturday next, not doubting but our friends
that hear will, as far as they can, let us have their
company. My poor mother's and my respects to
yourself, and Mrs. Tallents, and Mr. Bryan, and
Mr. Jones.
I rest your's totus in lachrymis,
M. Henry.
I know you will pray for us, and mourn with us.'
For the Rev. Mr. Tallcnts.
Eighteen Sermons, by P. Henry, p. 371, ut tupra. • See
Tong's Life of MaUhew Henry, p. 131, &c. «/ $Mpra. t Orig. AiS.
122
THE LIFE OF MR. PHILIP HENRY.
In reply to a letter written by Mr. Tallents, ex-
pressive of the greatness of his sorrow on this melan-
choly occasion, the bereaved widow writes thus.
Ju8 24, 06.
Dear Ser ;
It is my conmfort and joy that the people of God
do sympathise with me in this my great loss, and
truly I have reason to acknowleg the goodnes of
God that did spar him so long, and dus suport' and
send reuiuing in the midst of trubel. Pray for me
that I may be a widdou inded, trusting in God ;
that my children may, in all things, carry themselucs
like the children of such a fathar, and that wee may
get the good and learne what our heauenly Fathar
is tcching us by this sad strok. Good Sir, giue my
loue and saruis to my ould good friend and sistar,
for so I wil make bould to cale her, your dear yoak-
fellow, and except of the same, with many thanks
to you both for past and present favors.
From Sir, yours.
My sister presents her Much obliged,
sarvis to you both. Kat. Henry."^]
After the account we have given of his great useful-
ness, it is easy to imagine what sorrow and mourning
there was among his friends, when they heard that
the Lord had taken away their master from their
head. One that lived so much desired, could not
but die as much lamented. The surprise of the
stroke put people into a perfect astonishment ; and
many said, — the Lord removed him so suddenly,
because he would not deny the many prayers that
would have been put up for his recovery, had it been
known that he was in peril. One thing that aggra-
vated this severe dispensation, and made it, in the
apprehension of many, look the more dismal, was,
^that this powerful intercessor was taken away just
before a fast-day, when he would have been wrestling
mightily with God for mercy for the land. How-
ever, it proved a fast-day indeed, and a day of
humiliation, to that congregation, to whom an empty
pulpit was an awakening sermon. The Broad Oak
was then like that under which Rebekah's nurse was
V Supposed to bt July. Mr. Tallents has written at the top,
** In answer to one of mine."
b The wives of many painful ministers, while their husbands
lived, were made account of. and invited, that, when God hath
taken their husbands flrom them, (when they had most need of
comfort,) have found cold friendship, not of strangers only, but
even of those that professed greater love to the parties deceased.
This is but carnal, or at least but cold, love, that is then farthest
oflT, when there is roost need of it. A Treatise of Love, by Jo.
Rogers, p. 220. duod. 1632.
i We went to Broad Oak to visit dear mother: found her in
health. I cannot but own the goodness of God in supporting her
under this heavy stroke. It is to me the answer of my dear
father's prayer, which he. thus, (Vequently expressed ;->" Fit us
to leave, or to be left, according to the will of God." Dr. Preston
hath an expression to this purpose,— that the children of God
receive no prejudice by affliction, no more than the sun by an
buried, Genesis xxxv. 8. AUon-hacuthy — the 6ak
of weeping. They who had many a time sat with dry
eyes, under melting ordinances, could not sit so under
such a melting providence, by which the Lord God
called so loudly to weeping^ and to mourning^ and to
girding with sackcloth. But because Mr. Henry had
been wont to give it for a rule,— that weeping must
not hinder sowing, a mite was cast into the treasury
of the nation's prayers, and a word spoken, to bring
the work of the day and the event of the day toge-
ther, from 2 Kings xiii. 20.
The day following, being Saturday, June 27, the
earthen vessel, in which this treasure had been
lodged, was laid up in the g^ve in Whitchurch
church, attended thither with a very great company
of true mourners, all the country round. Many from
Chester and Shrewsbury, and the towns about, came 
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